Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a prototype software called Gyrus, which takes extra steps to prevent malware from sending spam emails and instant messages. The software captures user intent and interactions with an application, verifying that the resulting output can be mapped back to the user's intention.
A new study found that gamblers' brains exhibit similar increases in theta activity to wins and near-misses, particularly in the insula and orbitofrontal cortex. This response is associated with gambling severity and susceptibility to problem gambling. The research suggests that brain responses to near-misses resemble those to actual w...
The trial found that men treated with the more intensive radiotherapy regime had a 55% survival rate without disease progression, compared to 43%. The study also showed that dose-escalated radiotherapy reduces the need for follow-up hormone treatment and is safe in the long term.
A powerful solar flare peaked at X4.9-class on Feb. 24, 2014, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The flare emitted giant flashes of light and caused disturbing effects in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
A Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology study found that consuming strawberries reduced total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides in healthy volunteers. The antioxidant properties of strawberries were also linked to improved cardiovascular health parameters.
Researchers at IBM have achieved a record-breaking data transfer speed of 64 gigabits per second (Gb/s) using standard non-return-to-zero modulation on a multimode optical fiber. The technology has the potential to meet growing needs of servers, data centers and supercomputers through the end of this decade.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are studying copepods to understand their response to global climate change. They have published a transcriptome for the key North Atlantic copepod Calanus finmarchicus, which provides insights into population changes and may help predict future declines.
A team of researchers at the University of California - San Diego examined over 2,000 pieces of malware used by Bitcoin mining operations and found that they made at least 4,500 Bitcoins over two years. The study highlights how malware operators use low-cost and no-investment infrastructure to mine Bitcoin.
A Michigan State University study refutes critics' claims that solitary confinement leads to increased recidivism rates. In reality, young drug offenders with prior convictions and disciplinary charges are more likely to re-offend.
A new portable hydrogen fuel cell unit will provide electricity to the Port of Honolulu, reducing emissions and energy consumption. The unit, built by Sandia National Laboratories, is self-contained and can be deployed at various locations.
Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have developed novel optical fibers that can transmit high-quality images, rivaling those of current commercial endoscopy imaging fibers. The fibers utilize a unique architecture that traps multiple beams of light, resulting in improved resolution and contrast.
Women living in world regions with high HIV rates are at high risk of acquiring HIV during pregnancy and postpartum. The combined HIV incidence rate among pregnant/postpartum women was 3.8/100 person-years, significantly higher in African countries than non-African countries.
Research from the University of Kent found that stronger belief in anti-vaccine conspiracy theories is associated with lower intention to vaccinate. This study suggests that anti-vaccine conspiracy theories may present a barrier to vaccine uptake, posing significant consequences for children's health.
Researchers have developed a new version of Sketch that can handle complex synthesis tasks more efficiently, enabling it to produce working code in milliseconds. The system treats program synthesis as a search problem and finds a way to shrink the search space, making it more suitable for real-world applications.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that temperature, not snowfall, is driving the fluctuating size of Peru's Quelccaya Ice Cap, a symbol for global climate change. The research uses field mapping and ice core analysis to determine that temperature was the primary driver of glacial expansion and retreat.
A study published in HortTechnology found that controlling irrigation using moisture sensors can reduce production time and crop losses, increasing profitability substantially. The wireless sensor system also saves water, labor, energy, and fertilizer.
Acetic acid in vinegar effectively kills drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria and other stubborn mycobacteria. A 6% solution of acetic acid for 30 minutes reduces TB mycobacteria to undetectable levels, posing a low-risk alternative to toxic disinfectants.
A new study by transplant surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine found that moving organ donors from hospitals to a regional stand-alone facility significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency. The average cost of retrieving a liver dropped 37% after the change, while travel time for surgeons was reduced from 8 hours...
Scotland achieved a reduction in postcode lottery for hip replacement surgery through NHS expansion, improving geographical inequalities and increasing access to treatment. The Scottish government's decision to run the Golden Jubilee National Hospital as an NHS center contributed to these reductions.
A study analyzing over 2 million patients who underwent PCI found a significant association between blood transfusion and an increased risk of in-hospital heart attack, stroke, or death. The analysis also showed considerable variation in red blood cell transfusion practices among hospitals across the US.
Scientists have disproven the assumption that tropical cyclone numbers are increasing due to global warming, and instead found they are shifting southward. Late-season frost is also not receding as quickly as flowering, threatening food security.
The study found that traveling to donor hospitals for organ procurement reduced travel time from eight hours to two hours and saved 37% on organ recovery costs. The use of free-standing organ recovery centers significantly improved the efficiency of deceased donor organ transplantation.
Researchers trained immune cells of mice to fight melanoma using nanoparticles and magnetic fields, with treated tumors stopping growth and six out of eight mice surviving for over four weeks. The study uses artificial antigen-presenting cells to activate naive T cells, revealing a key difference in cancer-fighting cells.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully generate new neurons from adult astrocytes in mice, offering hope for repairing traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. The two-step approach uses a transcription factor to reprogram scar-forming astrocytes into neurons, which then mature and persist for months.
The Life-Seed Capital project uses rapeseed crops to improve agricultural productivity and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Rapeseed cake, a by-product of oil extraction, is used as animal feed, reducing emissions by up to 13% and improving organic matter use efficiency.
A new tissue repair drug has been shown to improve healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers, reducing the risk of amputation. Patients treated with the drug were twice as likely to have their ulcers heal within eight weeks compared to those receiving a placebo.
The NIST Genome in a Bottle consortium has developed reference materials for measuring DNA sequencing process accuracy, providing a 'meter stick of the genome'. These well-characterized, whole genome standards help laboratories assess their sequencing processes and minimize biases.
Researchers have developed a new method to treat phantom limb pain, using muscle signals from the arm stump to drive an augmented reality system. The patient's pain was drastically reduced, and he now experiences periods of complete relief.
Researchers found that byproducts of two bacteria causing gum disease promote the growth of Kaposi's sarcoma-related lesions and tumors in the mouth. High levels of these bacteria are associated with periodontal disease, while healthy gums show lower levels.
Researchers at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found no evidence that baby media products teach reading skills to infants. However, the study did reveal an undeniable effect on parents - their increased confidence in their children's vocabulary development
A nationwide study in Denmark found that receiving the MMR vaccine on schedule was associated with a lower rate of hospital admissions for any infections, particularly lower respiratory tract infections. The study suggests that timely vaccination averted many hospital admissions between 16 and 24 months.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Air Force reservists who flew in dioxin-contaminated aircraft after the Vietnam War were exposed to higher levels of dioxin than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the current position held by the Air Force and VA.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a sustainable aerogel material that can absorb oil and chemicals without absorbing water. The cellulose-based aerogel, made using an environmentally friendly process, has superior absorbing ability for organic solvents and metal ions.
A single genetic mutation in the GSTe2 gene causes mosquitoes to break down DDT, making them resistant to the insecticide. This discovery could help improve malaria control strategies by allowing for early detection and tracking of resistance.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects nearly 30 million Americans, causing significant healthcare costs annually. The Northwestern Medicine Sinus and Allergy Center is receiving a $8.4M NIH grant to advance CRS research and develop new treatment strategies.
Researchers found that male chipping sparrows form 'dear enemy' alliances with weaker neighbors to prevent stronger rivals from moving in. In a surprise discovery, these coalitions were shown to be rare and often based on specific vocal relationships.
Rural businesses are relying on risky loan methods due to declining local lending, according to a Baylor study. More than 50% of banking firms in the US have closed since 1984, with only 30% obtaining traditional loans through local banks.
Researchers found that memory T cells play a crucial role in lung transplant acceptance, suggesting that current immune-suppression strategies may contribute to organ rejection. The study aims to develop new strategies to selectively target immunosuppression in lung transplants and boost the ability of memory T cells.
A study of US filicide arrests over 32 years found that men are as likely to kill infants as women, and stepchildren are not more likely than biological children to die at their parents' hands. The data also revealed that fathers were more likely to be the alleged murderers of adult children.
Recent research by Eawag and EPFL suggests that silver nanoparticles are not toxic to certain types of algae, which can survive even low concentrations of silver ions. However, this finding raises concerns about the potential impact on higher organisms, such as fish and other aquatic life.
Researchers at GEOMAR found that large-scale climate intervention methods have limited benefits and significant side effects, such as accelerated global warming. The study's results highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential social, political, legal, and ethical implications of proposed climate engineering methods.
A European study found that patients are more likely to die after common surgical procedures in hospitals with heavier nurse workloads and fewer nurses with bachelor's degrees. In contrast, a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses holding a bachelor degree is associated with a 7% decrease in the risk of death.
Researchers have identified four biomarkers in blood samples that can predict mortality from any disease within five years. The study used NMR spectroscopy to analyze over 17,000 healthy individuals and found that these biomarkers were independent of traditional risk factors, indicating a general frailty in the body.
A study found that MERS-CoV is prevalent in camels throughout Saudi Arabia, with antibodies detected in 74% of camels and active virus in 35% of young camels. The virus likely spreads through respiratory secretions.
A study published in The Gerontologist reveals that parents' attitudes towards giving help to their grown children can impact their mental health. Researchers found significant interactions between tangible support and feelings of reward, as well as nontangible support and stress, in explaining parents' depressive symptoms.
A study of 39 young adults found that consuming polyunsaturated fat resulted in less body fat and more muscle mass than consuming saturated fat. This is significant for preventing obesity-related disorders like type-2 diabetes, as it suggests that a diet rich in unsaturated fats may help regulate fat distribution.
Researchers have created a highly aligned nanofibrous scaffold derived from decellularized human fibroblasts, allowing cells to thrive and mimic the natural extracellular matrix. The scaffold's uniform composition and low immune response make it suitable for engineering softer tissues like skin, blood vessels, and muscle.
A Rutgers-led study finds acupuncture can reduce inflammation and organ injury in septic mice, with half surviving for at least a week. The treatment also triggers increased levels of dopamine, which may help alleviate other inflammatory diseases like arthritis and Crohn's disease.
A WSU researcher has developed a novel asphalt made from waste cooking oil, reducing costs by under $200 per ton. The bioasphalt is expected to be as durable as petroleum-based alternatives, with potential applications in construction of roads and highways nationwide.
Scientists at Princeton University have created a 3D video of a virus-like particle attempting to enter a cell, revealing unprecedented details about the interaction. The technique developed could help deliver drugs via nanoparticles and prevent viral infections.
A study published in Medical Care found that nearly half of uninsured children in the United States live in immigrant families. The study analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau survey and found that children with immigrant parents are more likely to be uninsured, regardless of their citizenship status.
A team of scientists at Penn State University has detected water vapor in the atmosphere of a hot-Jupiter exoplanet, tau Boötis b. This discovery could help researchers understand how many planets like Earth exist throughout the universe and provides new insights into the formation and evolution of exotic hot-Jupiter planets.
A research team from Michigan State University studied the recovery of forests and bamboo groves in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China, after a devastating earthquake. They found that many areas were on the road to recovery, with replanting efforts helping in areas with poor soil conditions.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source have demonstrated the ability to control the conducting/insulating phases of ultra-thin films of Mott materials using epitaxial strain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient transistors and memories with higher energy efficiencies and faster switching ...
Researchers found that a cancer medication reduces sudden cardiac death risk in mice with abnormal heartbeats and heart failure. This promising treatment option could provide patients and clinicians with a new paradigm for treating life-threatening illness.
A team of researchers found that some cells exhibit random monoallelic gene expression during development, which can affect protein production and potentially lead to diseases. The phenomenon is more common in mature cell types than stem cell precursors.
A recent study published in ZooKeys identified 186 new species of Microgastrinae wasps from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in Costa Rica. The findings suggest that parasitoid wasps are more specialized than previously thought, with most species only parasitizing a few moth or butterfly species.
A national study led by Henry Ford Health System found that 83% of people who commit suicide receive medical care in the year prior to their death, but only 45% receive a mental health diagnosis. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to identify and treat patients at risk of suicidal thoughts.
Researchers found that PPAR-γ agonists can reverse emphysema development despite continuous exposure to cigarette smoke. Additionally, a compound enhancing glutamate uptake improved ALS symptoms and extended lifespan in mice. Increased autophagy also contributed to BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma patients.
For-profit hospices tend to provide fewer community benefits, serve more patients with longer stays, and exceed Medicare's cap on length of stay. In contrast, nonprofit hospices are more likely to partner with oncology centers and address disparities in hospice use.