Regular internet use and engaging in civic, leisure, and cultural activities may help maintain health literacy skills among older adults. Health literacy scores fell by one or more points in around a fifth of people over six years, regardless of initial score.
New Rutgers research suggests that an overabundance of the NOS1AP protein in developing brains can lead to abnormalities and faulty connections, potentially triggering schizophrenia. The study's findings offer a potential explanation for the biological process of the disease and may pave the way for targeted treatment therapies.
Researchers found that excessive contact between cellular organelles disrupts metabolism in obesity, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Disrupting these connections improved metabolic health in obese diabetic mice, pointing to a potential treatment target.
CPRIT awards UTSW faculty $22.5 million for groundbreaking research into leukemia, liver cancer, and anti-cancer immunotherapy, aiming to drive innovative therapies and better care for cancer patients. The grants will support investigations targeting promising new discoveries in cancer and commercial development.
Researchers use genetically engineered pig models to study human diseases and identify new drug targets for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, ophthalmology, and xenotransplantation. These models enable the development of novel cell therapies to restore diseased tissues and organs.
The NSF is investing $16M to build two new supercomputing systems, Bridges and Jetstream, which will expand computational capacity and capability for researchers nationwide. The systems will provide cloud-based and data-intensive advanced computing resources, enabling a broader swath of researchers to use advancing computing.
Kansas State University professors C. Michael Smith and Christopher Sorensen were selected as AAAS fellows for their pioneering contributions to entomology and soft matter physics, respectively. Their research has been recognized for advancing science, education, and outreach.
Research from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development suggests that people interpret terrorist threats in varying ways. Study author Rezarta Bilali found that individuals with homogeneous group identities are less likely to perceive heightened threat when exposed to external terrorist threats.
Babies as young as five months old can recall positive emotional interactions with caregivers, but struggle to remember negative ones. Researchers used eye-tracking tests to measure infant memory, finding that happy voices and emotions significantly improved shape recognition and recall.
A new study suggests that starting HIV treatment within a year of seroconversion can improve immune health by increasing CD4+ T-cell count. Researchers found that an HIV-infected person's CD4+ T-cell count is more likely to return to normal if treatment starts within a year and at a CD4+ T-cell count of 500 or more.
Researchers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln enhance ferroelectric tunnel junction performance, increasing disparity between 'on' and 'off' conditions to improve RAM reliability. The team's graphene-ammonia combination also addresses the challenge of maintaining polarization in thin ferroelectric layers.
A rare connexin mutation has been linked to a baby's disordered breathing, with researchers discovering that astrocytes with the mutation cannot bind to carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to the development of an algorithm to pinpoint when a premature infant's breathing pattern goes south.
Researchers have identified a gene, MACROD2, whose presence may explain why some breast cancers are resistant to tamoxifen. The study found that MACROD2 overexpression was present in the majority of metastases in patients with tamoxifen-resistant tumors.
Researchers propose a new theoretical framework to explain the transition of colloidal glasses from liquids to solids, highlighting the role of crowding effects and weak spots in the material. This work has significant implications for our understanding of glass behavior and its applications in consumer products and medical research.
A new underwater robot has enabled scientists to create detailed, high-resolution 3D maps of Antarctic sea ice, providing accurate measurements of ice thickness and volume. The technology, known as SeaBED, fills a gap in data collection by allowing researchers to measure thicker areas of sea ice.
Honeybee populations are under stress due to various factors, leading to susceptibility to diseases. Researchers suggest that managing stress and improving nutrition could help improve bee immunity and health. They call for more basic science to understand the underlying immune responses and molecular mechanisms involved.
Researchers have created a new method to quickly identify bacteria causing infections and determine antibiotic resistance, which could lead to timely treatment and reduced antibiotic use. The innovative approach enables rapid identification of bacterial species and resistance patterns in under four hours.
Researchers are exploring software-defined cellular networking to provide next-generation mobile broadband with speeds of up to 10 Gbits/s. The proposed end-to-end architecture offers flexibility, scalability, agility, and efficiency, while overcoming bandwidth shortages and improving quality of service.
Researchers find that climate change may affect the ratio of oxygen consumed to phosphorus released during organic matter respiration in the subsurface ocean. This shift could lead to more carbon being stored in the ocean, potentially offsetting the slowdown of the ocean's uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Researchers found a new type of immune T helper cells called TH-GM cells play a crucial role in the immune system and pathogenesis of neuronal inflammation. Blocking IL-7 or STAT5 could provide significant therapeutic benefits for MS.
Research shows that patients receiving basic life support (BLS) have greater survival to hospital discharge and 90-day post-discharge compared to those receiving advanced life support (ALS). BLS providers tend to spend less time at the scene, leading to higher mortality rates in ALS patients.
Researchers inhibit autotaxin, an enzyme that promotes cancer cell survival and metastasis, decreasing tumor growth by up to 70% and improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The discovery offers a new therapy potential for breast and thyroid cancer patients.
A study by Oregon State University and Simon Fraser University found that small fish with long bodies are most likely to be attacked by lionfish, which can increase their chances of being eaten by up to 200 times. The research also identified common traits among prey species that make them vulnerable to predation.
Researchers found a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant may be an effective treatment for Wolfram syndrome, a devastating form of type 1 diabetes. Dantrolene blocks the enzyme calpain 2, which causes cell death in insulin-producing cells.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that adult survivors of retinoblastoma, particularly those diagnosed in infancy, have normal cognitive function and fulfill milestones of adult life. The brain may compensate for early visual loss by reorganizing areas responsible for processing verbal and auditory information.
Researchers found cooperative strategies were initially successful but ultimately collapsed as players adjusted payoffs to maximize rewards, leading to a rise in selfish strategies.
Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a new bird species, the Sulawesi streaked flycatcher, after 15 years. The bird has distinct plumage, body structure, song and genetics compared to other flycatchers, confirming its classification as a new species.
Researchers found differences in grasshopper types and numbers between undisturbed and post-agricultural woodlands, challenging conventional ecological wisdom. The study suggests new strategies are needed to promote ecological recovery in disturbed environments.
Researchers found that blocking angiogenesis can reduce bacterial numbers, limit their spread and increase survival rates in infected lab animals. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic approach targeting the body's response to tuberculosis rather than directly attacking the bacteria.
A new study reveals that targeting specific immune cells in the gut can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 2.7 times. The findings suggest that existing drugs for inflammatory bowel diseases could be effective in treating or preventing HIV infection.
Researchers have found that selenium compounds can effectively block immunostimulatory molecules in cancer cells, which overactivate the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to better cancer drugs with fewer adverse effects, slowing down cancer development.
A JAX research team discovered a link between mistranslation during protein synthesis and misfolded proteins in the heart, contributing to cardiac diseases like desmin-related cardiomyopathy and systemic amyloidosis. Mistranslation can lead to cell death and impaired heart function.
A new MRI diagnostic approach has identified significant damage to the blood-brain barrier of professional football players following unreported trauma or mild concussions. The study showed that 40% of examined football players with unreported concussions had evidence of 'leaky BBB' compared to 8.3% of control athletes.
Researchers have developed novel nanoparticle designs that detect and destroy cancer cells using photo-thermal therapy, detecting tumors early and killing them simultaneously. The nanoparticles target specific proteins on cancer cells, releasing heat that burns the abnormal cells without harming normal ones.
A team of scientists from Arizona State University and IBM have developed a prototype DNA reader that can distinguish individual chemical bases of DNA. The device is thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair and could make whole genome profiling an everyday practice in medicine.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that advanced life support ambulances, which use sophisticated gear and staffed with highly trained paramedics, do not save lives but rather increase the risk of death compared to basic life support ambulances. BLS patients were nearly 50% more likely to survive than ALS patients at 90 days.
The Structure-guided Drug Discovery Coalition receives a $2 million grant to develop new medicines for tuberculosis, malaria, and other neglected diseases. Researchers aim to fast-track the discovery of new treatments for these conditions, which affect over a billion people worldwide.
A mouse study identified a malfunctioning neural circuit as the root of motor impairments seen in autism, where abnormal synaptic pruning and Purkinje cell function contribute to motor learning deficits. The findings may shed light on the intense world syndrome phenomenon in autism.
SMU seismologist Brian Stump has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his groundbreaking work on seismic monitoring and its significance in enforcing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. His research has significantly improved scientists' ability to distinguish between earthquakes, conventional explosions, and nuclear tests.
Researchers have discovered a gene variant, PHACTR1, that reduces the risk of cervical artery dissection and other related conditions. This finding could lead to new treatment strategies for stroke prevention in young adults.
Researchers at MIT have developed a load driver device that can reduce unpredictability in biological circuits, allowing for robust and predictable behavior. This breakthrough could lead to applications such as biosensing and glucose monitoring for diabetic patients.
Scientists at 10 US observatories are improving understanding of Earth's critical zone with a $1.35 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The CZO Science Across Virtual Institutes (SAVI) will develop networked sites to address pressing scientific questions on regional and global scales.
A UCL-led team of scientists has uncovered the structure of pores found in cell nuclei, revealing how they selectively block certain molecules from entering to protect genetic material and normal cell functions. The discovery could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and better delivery mechanisms for gene therapy.
Researchers developed a methodology to directly measure the duration and temporal intensity distribution of ultra-short X-ray flashes. They characterized these pulses using streaking spectroscopy, revealing pulse durations of up to four and a half femtoseconds.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that idiosyncratic acts are key to the survival of traditional rituals and practices. By adding a personal touch to culture, individuals can ensure simplicity, flexibility, and creative license in these long-practiced customs.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected five University of Tennessee faculty members for their distinguished contributions to science. The new fellows were recognized for their outstanding achievements in fields such as archaeology, biochemistry, and materials science.
Research shows that starting HIV therapy soon after infection significantly reduces the risk of developing AIDS and improves immune function, particularly when treatment is initiated within 12 months of seroconversion. A normal CD4+ T-cell count above 800 cells per cubic millimeter is crucial for reconstituting immune-fighting cells.
A recent study found that individuals who experienced intense verbal aggression as children are more resilient to conflict as adults. The researchers measured cortisol levels in saliva samples from 50 romantically involved couples and found a weakened physiological stress response for those with higher childhood exposure.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the hippocampus, a region involved in spatial learning and memory, reacts differently to virtual reality than it does to real-world environments. In the virtual world, hippocampal neurons fire randomly, whereas in the real world, they process activity with precision.
Scientists at HZDR have discovered a seemingly paradoxical phenomenon in graphene when exposed to a magnetic field and laser light pulses. The electrons' energy levels behave unexpectedly due to collisions, causing an unusual rearrangement of the material's state.
Scientists develop model to predict which populations will go extinct due to climate change by analyzing how different species adapt. The study finds that small changes in climate can lead to sudden extinction, even for species with strong adaptation strategies.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines now recommend statin therapy for individuals with an elevated estimated risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. A study found that 97% of adults aged 66-75 qualify for statin therapy, with 100% of men in this age group being eligible.
Research identifies specific glycans on cell surfaces as key targets for bacterial toxins, offering new avenues for blocking toxin action and developing novel treatments. The discovery has major implications for the treatment of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A streptococci.
James M. Crowley, SIAM's Executive Director, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his outstanding record as a scientific administrator in the US Air Force and his two decades of leadership at SIAM. Crowley holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Brown University.
A study published in BMC found that children born during and after the 1997-98 El Niño event had lower height-for-age and lean mass, indicating chronic malnutrition. The researchers warn that climate change may increase the frequency of El Niño episodes, posing a significant risk to future generations.
A new study using CT scans reveals that ocean acidification enhances reef breakdown, putting coral reefs at risk. The research found that pH levels were the strongest predictor of accretion-erosion balance, with reefs shifting towards higher erosion rates in more acidic water.
A study of over 2,700 teens found that those prescribed anti-anxiety or sleep medications were 10-12 times more likely to abuse them than those who never received a prescription. The risk was higher for white, female, and long-term prescribers.
The US Preventive Services Task Force concludes that current evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of routine screening for vitamin D deficiency. Researchers found no direct evidence on the effects of screening versus no screening, but treating patients with low serum levels may help prevent adverse outcomes.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a resorbable electronic implant that eliminates bacterial infection by delivering heat to infected tissue via wireless signals. The devices were found to be safe and effective in mice, dissolving completely after 15 days without causing harm.
Two studies published in JAMA Pediatrics examine the impact of school breakfast programs on children's eating habits and academic performance. One study found that schools offering Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) had higher participation in the national school breakfast program and attendance, but no differences in math or reading ach...