A clinical trial found that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) experienced a significant reduction in seizures and improvements in related symptoms, including depression and anxiety, when treated with cognitive behavioral therapy informed psychotherapy (CBT-ip) alone or in combination with the medication sertraline....
Researchers say restoring tropical forests can lead to biodiversity loss and soil erosion if not done thoughtfully. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecosystem dynamics and defining what constitutes a forest to minimize environmental impacts.
A European teen imaging study has identified 40 predictor variables, including genetics, brain function, and personality, that can predict teenage binge-drinking with 70% accuracy. The study found that having a family history of drug use, sensation-seeking traits, and impulsivity were among the key predictors.
Researchers have identified proteins in squid sucker ring teeth that can form strong, malleable materials for various applications. These materials may be used as artificial ligaments, scaffolds to grow bone, and sustainable packaging alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based products.
A new meta-analysis of 10 studies found that less than 10% of people infected with hepatitis C are cured, while only 50% were diagnosed and aware of their infection. The study highlights the need for improved screening efforts and increased access to treatment, particularly for baby boomers who may not be aware they have the disease.
Researchers found that light pollution disrupts the reproductive cycle of mouse lemurs, causing testes to grow larger and testosterone levels to increase. The study also showed that light pollution affects the daily activity pattern of lemurs, delaying their nocturnal behavior.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide have identified specific genes in wheat that enable tolerance to boron toxicity, a significant yield-limiting soil condition. This discovery will help plant breeders develop new varieties with increased yields to feed the growing world population.
Researchers at UT Austin have created a nonlinear metasurface that can reflect radiation at twice the input light frequency, producing approximately 1 million times larger frequency-doubled output. The new metamaterial has potential applications in advanced laser systems for chemical sensing and biomedical research.
Researchers found that adding glucocorticoid to local anesthetic epidural injections provided minimal or no additional pain relief and physical limitations improvement. Corticosteroids may have caused increased satisfaction but also more adverse events, calling into question their routine use.
A study suggests that early humans who relied on an insect diet during lean seasons may have developed bigger brains and higher-level cognitive functions. Capuchin monkeys' foraging patterns for insects reveal a link between seasonal food scarcity and sensorimotor skills, including tool use and problem-solving.
A new study found that a cognitive behavior therapy-informed psychotherapy significantly reduces seizures in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, improving depression and anxiety. The treatment approach showed promising results in reducing seizure frequency and severity of co-morbid symptoms.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a wireless network on a computer chip that can reduce energy consumption in data farms. The technology allows for wireless links between cores, resulting in less energy loss and higher data transfer speed.
Researchers discovered that foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni can cause problems in chickens' gut and damage their feet and legs when they walk through contaminated excrement. The bacteria's impact varied among breeds, with one showing significant damage to the gut and developing diarrhea.
Researchers have identified specific neural groups in female fruit flies that regulate their choice to mate, revealing new clues for understanding human sexual behavior. These findings could provide a starting point for exploring the neural mechanisms underlying courtship behaviors in other species.
In a study published in Current Biology, researchers found that the Abdominal-B gene controls a set of neurons responsible for a major part of female fly receptivity. This discovery provides insight into the neural circuitry that drives courtship behavior on the female side.
A new study finds that stem cells created by moving genetic material from a skin cell into an empty egg cell more closely resemble human embryonic stem cells than traditionally induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The method, known as nuclear transfer, results in cells with fewer reprogramming issues and better gene expression patterns.
Researchers have developed a single-pixel optical system that can overcome light scattering in tissue, enabling transmission of images through scattering media. The technique uses compressive sensing to compress large data files as they are measured, allowing it to reconstruct the image and penetrate deeper into tissue.
A NASA study found that populated areas show increased plant productivity, while rural areas and wildlands see little change. Human land use and factors like nitrogen fertilization drove the growth changes.
A new study found that peripheral artery disease is more common among individuals with low income and lower education levels in the US. Researchers analyzed data from 1999 to 2004 and defined PAD using a standard of care measurement, an ankle-brachial index of ≤0.90.
Scientists have discovered that Tibetans inherited a gene from their extinct human cousin, the Denisovans, which helps them adapt to high-altitude plateaus with low oxygen levels. This variant of the EPAS1 gene allows Tibetans to survive at elevations above 15,000 feet without cardiovascular problems.
A Simon Fraser University study found that kangaroos employ a unique pentapedal gait, utilizing their tail in combination with front and hind legs to generate significant propulsive force. This discovery sheds light on the importance of timing and positioning during movement, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments.
Researchers found a highly differentiated haplotype of the EPAS1 gene in Tibetans that is similar to the Denisovan genome. This suggests that Tibetans' ancestors may have interbred with Denisovans, allowing them to adapt to high-altitude environments.
Researchers found that Martian salts can melt ice they touch, forming liquid water within minutes. The discovery suggests small amounts of liquid water could exist across large swaths of Mars' surface, potentially supporting microbial life.
The study found that minimally invasive robotic surgery increased adverse events two-fold between 2003-2009. Surgeons recommend standardized training programs and credentialing standards to reduce risks.
Researchers used a statistical technique to downscale global climate models and found that population centers in cool, highland regions of East Africa may be more vulnerable to malaria than previously thought. The study suggests that fine-scale predictions can improve local adaptation and mitigation strategies.
A QUT study found that flood fear had a minimal on-going effect on property prices, with low-value suburbs being the exception. Middle and high-value homes in Brisbane experienced price rebounds within 12 months after the 2011 floods.
Heavy rainfall was spotted by NASA's TRMM satellite around Tropical Storm Arthur's center on July 1, with rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next two days, affecting the southern U.S. coastline.
A new study from Duke University found that unwed parents are more likely to marry when their child is young, with the 'magic moment' lasting longer than previously thought. However, the study also revealed that many of these marriages are fragile and do not last.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a method to collect the best cell type for regenerating damaged corneas, with purified human stem cells showing promise in improving long-term vision in mice. The discovery is expected to quickly translate into improved human therapies and could potentially restore the corneal surface.
Researchers at UNH's NHAES identified over 600 species of leafhoppers in New Hampshire, with about 40 being economically significant due to their disease-carrying abilities. The team found six leafhopper species known to carry X-disease, and provided guidance on management techniques to reduce the risk of outbreaks.
Scientists have developed a method to create stronger and more ductile metal materials by adjusting the internal structure, similar to bone and bamboo. This technique can be customized for various applications, including improving industrial steel's strength and ductility.
A Purdue-designed tool uses mass spectrometry to analyze brain tumor tissue, providing color-coded images that reveal the location and nature of tumor cells. The tool has been successfully used in two surgical procedures, offering a significant improvement over current methods.
Researchers found that taking off from a compliant surface like a springboard reduces the energy cost of long jumps compared to firm surfaces. This is due to a closer optimal take-off angle for maximum energy efficiency. For shorter distances, no difference was observed in energy expenditure between firm and springy surfaces.
Scientists at OHSU have found that nuclear transfer is superior to iPS method in reprogramming human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, with the former producing stem cells almost identical to those from in vitro fertilized eggs. The study's findings hold major implications for developing better embryonic stem cells and therapies.
A twin study found a strong association between socioeconomic deprivation and decreased sleep duration, even after accounting for genetics and shared family environment. The study suggests that improving neighborhood-level factors may lead to better sleep habits.
Researchers at TUM and UT Austin developed nonlinear mirrors that reflect frequency-doubled output using input light intensity as small as a laser pointer. The new materials produce approximately one million times higher intensity of frequency-doubled output compared to traditional materials.
A new species of spider wasp, the Bone-house Wasp, uses dead ants as a unique nest-protection strategy, resulting in lower parasitism rates. The study found that this behavior is likely linked to chemical cues emanating from the dead ants.
Tropical Storm Douglas is weakening due to cooler waters and drier air in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph, with forecasters predicting a gradual decline in strength over the next day.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed Neolithic deer hair from the Tyrolean Iceman's clothing to shed light on red deer lineage. The results indicate that Alpine Copper Age red deer falls within the western European lineage, contrasting with current populations in the Italian Alps which belong to the eastern lineage.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania uncover existence of threshold for fluid flow-induced angiogenesis, enabling rapid tumor growth; study paves the way for cancer-fighting drugs and treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that runners who had rivals in local races ran faster and trained harder, motivated by the desire to outperform their rivals. The study identified factors like similarity, repeated competition, and closely-decided contests as key characteristics of rivalries.
A new study reveals that adipose-derived human stem cells can withstand high doses of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, unlike other cell types. This finding has significant implications for developing an ASC-based therapy to promote bone growth and regeneration in cancer patients.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that accumulated practice accounts for only about 12% of individual differences in performance across various domains. The study suggests that domain-specific factors, such as age and cognitive abilities, may play a more significant role in determining expertise.
Scientists have identified a new mutant plant that stores excessive amounts of starch, allowing it to maintain its size despite reduced sucrose availability. The NEX1 mutant combines high growth rates with large starch reserves, making it an attractive candidate for crops used as silage and human feed.
A new study found that alcohol sponsorship in UK athletes is associated with higher odds of hazardous drinking and increased consumption. Sportspeople sponsored by an alcohol-related industry had higher rates of problem drinking compared to non-sponsored athletes.
The BMJ editorial advocates for the Assisted Dying Bill, citing a strong public consensus of 82% in favor, as well as Oregon's experience with assisted dying legislation. The bill aims to allow terminally ill adults to end their lives with medical assistance.
A new national model for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Great Britain highlights the need for improved testing, vaccination of cattle, and culling infected farms as effective strategies. The majority of herd outbreaks are caused by multiple transmission routes, including failed tests, cattle movement, and environmental reservoirs.
Using a molecule called ABCB5, researchers identified limbal stem cells in deceased donors' tissue and grew fully functional human corneas in mice. This breakthrough could restore vision for individuals with damaged eyes due to injury or disease, revolutionizing the field of regenerative medicine.
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered a syndrome rather than a single disease, and blocking inflammasomes may be an effective therapeutic target. Researchers have developed a mouse model that demonstrates the role of inflammasomes in RA and show promise for new treatments.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are interconnected diseases sharing common risk factors and causes. The NIH study suggests that patients with either condition should be monitored for the other, as pre-existing CKD increases the odds of AKI by 10 times and vice versa.
A study published in Neurology found that brisk walking improved motor function, mood, and tiredness by up to 15%, as well as increased aerobic fitness and gait speed. Participants who walked for 45 minutes, three times a week, over six months showed significant improvements in their symptoms.
A new US-based study of over 25,000 older men shows that testosterone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of heart attack. In fact, men with cardiovascular problems who used testosterone had a lower rate of heart attacks compared to those who did not.
A domestic research team created a carbon material without artificial defects, maintaining graphene's characteristics, and developed a simpler production process. The new method can mass-produce high-quality graphene substitutes for solar cells and semiconductor chips.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding CRPS by replicating its symptoms in mice using antibodies from patients with the condition. The study suggests that autoantibodies may be the underlying cause of CRPS, offering hope for potential treatments.
UCI researchers develop computing techniques that utilize deep learning to analyze data from particle accelerators, increasing the detection rate of rare particles by 8%. The methods could aid in the hunt for fundamental open questions about matter, gravity, and the origin of the universe.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that green building standards can significantly improve indoor air quality, leading to reduced symptoms of respiratory problems like asthma. Residents in green homes reported 47% fewer 'sick building syndrome' symptoms, including headaches and eye irritation.
Researchers have developed a new type of optical fiber that can guide UV laser light without being damaged. The fiber has a hollow core with a diameter of 20 µm, which allows for single-mode transmission and reduces loss. This breakthrough enables new applications in precision spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and process plasmas.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered that brief mindfulness meditation practice alleviates psychological stress. The study showed that even just three consecutive days of 25-minute mindfulness sessions can reduce stress levels.
Austrian researchers found that fresh, young red blood cells can counterbalance the negative effects of jetlag on the cardiovascular system. Blood donations may help reduce the risk of heart disease in shift workers by stimulating the generation of new, healthy erythrocytes.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach for tuberculosis drugs, inspired by the bacteria-derived antibiotic pyridomycin. The new molecule is more stable and easier to produce synthetically, offering a potential solution to multidrug-resistant strains.