A new paper proposes banning lead shot in Olympic shooting events to prevent wildlife poisoning and health threats to surface and groundwater. Non-toxic substitutes like steel shot have been available for two decades.
The five Neimark Award winners explore biostatistics, molecular plant sciences, and particle astrophysics among other areas. Their research in second language acquisition also sheds light on human cognition.
Research published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that widely used acupuncture needles have significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies, which could lead to painful reactions, bleeding, or bruising. The study calls for manufacturers to review and improve their quality control procedures for needle fabrication.
Researchers at NIST and JPL have designed a detector array that can extract more information than usual from single particles of light. The new device can record signal timing, enabling the use of pulse position modulation to encode multiple bits of information in space optical communications.
Researchers found that mathematical models describing urban growth apply to ancient societies as well. The study suggests a continuum of human settlements in time and place, allowing for more accurate population estimates and insights into social networks.
A new species of Stone Oak has been discovered in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand. The species, Lithocarpus orbicarpus, is a medium to small tree with unique spherical acorns covered in dense scales.
A new fossil specimen of the ancient Mesozoic marine reptile Chaohusaurus has revealed evidence of a live birth, suggesting that live births in land reptiles may have appeared much earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides the oldest vertebrate fossil to capture the moment of live-birth.
Hoosen Coovadia, a South African pediatrician and research scientist, has been recognized for his unwavering commitment to sound science guiding public policy. He was awarded the 2013 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for defying government opposition on HIV/AIDS issues.
A new beetle genus and species was discovered by Dr. Stylianos Chatzimanolis, named after Charles Darwin, based on a specimen collected in Argentina in 1832. Only two specimens of the species, Darwinilus sedarisi, are known, and most of its habitat has been transformed into agricultural fields.
There is limited evidence to support the existence of pornography 'addiction', with most studies lacking methodological rigor and failing to find negative side effects. Instead, viewing sexual images can have positive benefits such as improving attitudes towards sexuality and increasing pleasure in relationships.
Researchers investigated expert and novice dart players' techniques for accurate throwing. The study revealed two strategies used by experts: (1) compensating with hand movement for variable release times, and (2) reducing timing variability by releasing the dart at a fixed time. Both strategies achieved consistent throwing.
Researchers have identified the 'scaffold' of human brain networks, detailing connections that have the greatest influence over all other connections. The study found not all brain connections are equally important and some may be more vulnerable to damage, with implications for understanding brain injury and disease.
A new study by the University of Michigan finds that pediatric providers are using less effective screening tests for type 2 diabetes in children, leading to potential missed diagnoses. The new American Diabetes Association guidelines have been criticized due to lower test performance and increased costs for non-fasting tests.
A panel of 55 genes impacted by loss of protein SYK predicts invasive breast cancer, with better survival rates for patients without gene changes. Researchers found that 80% of patients without genetic alterations were still alive after 18 years, compared to 20% with gene changes.
Researchers from the University of Basel have observed spontaneous magnetic order of electron and nuclear spins in a quantum wire at temperatures of 0.1 kelvin, exceeding previous limits of microkelvin range. This new state of matter is stabilized by nuclear spin coupling and mutual interactions between electrons.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a protein that is essential for creating and maintaining long-term memories. The protein, Orb2A, must be tightly regulated to form only in specific neural circuits, and its conversion into a prion-like state can be triggered by nerve cell stimulation.
A Dartmouth-Australian study provides the first global evidence that foreign aid programs can improve donor countries' public image. The research suggests that targeted and sustained foreign aid can serve a crucial geostrategic goal for those countries providing it, while also improving humanitarian outcomes.
A recent study published in Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation found that parents of children undergoing stem cell transplant experience increased distress during the procedure but recover to normal levels of adjustment. Parents demonstrate remarkable recovery despite facing significant life challenges.
Researchers Jingjing Ma and Neal J. Roese found that individuals with a 'must have the best' mindset experience more regret and are less satisfied with purchases, leading to negative effects on psychological well-being.
Scientists at the University of Vienna have unveiled the superconducting pairing mechanism in calcium-doped graphene using the Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) method. The findings reveal that calcium is the most promising candidate to induce superconductivity in graphene, with a critical temperature of about 1.5K.
Researchers found that imagining the smell of a food product without actual scent triggers a stronger desire to consume. The study, published in Journal of Consumer Research, suggests that visual cues can enhance consumer experience and increase sales.
Researchers have shown that boosting broadly neutralizing antibodies can protect humanized mice from both intravenous and vaginal HIV infection. The study used a novel technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis, which enabled the production of antibodies for extended periods.
A recent meta-analysis of 20 years of neuroscience research reveals significant sex differences in brain structure, with males on average having larger total brain volumes and higher tissue densities in certain regions. Females, on the other hand, have higher density in the left frontal pole and larger volumes in other areas.
A Canadian study of 89,000 women aged 40-59 found that annual breast screening did not reduce mortality from breast cancer beyond physical examination or usual care. The study also revealed that 22% of screen-detected cancers were over-diagnosed, with one over-diagnosed cancer for every 424 women screened.
Research found that inmates who express guilt about specific behaviors are less likely to re-offend, while those feeling shame are more likely to commit crimes again. The study suggests that understanding the role of guilt and shame can inform restorative justice interventions and improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
A study by researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University found that being overweight is associated with lower levels of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory and emotions. The effect was independent of age, sex, and psychiatric diagnoses.
Researchers found that older adults derive more happiness from ordinary experiences than younger people, who prioritize extraordinary life milestones. The study suggests brands can tailor experiential marketing campaigns to specific age groups to maximize impact.
The genome of the queenless clonal raider ant provides insights into social evolution and behavior. Researchers found that nestmates are almost clonally related and reproduce asexually, with genomic heterozygosity lost slowly.
A new study has strengthened the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer development. Researchers found that a particular enzyme, CYP2E1, plays a role in controlling the growth of breast cancer cells.
A study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found nearly 396,000 Californians smoke on a measurable basis but reject the label. This 'non-identifying smoker' phenomenon poses health risks and may hinder efforts to reduce tobacco consumption.
A nationwide study by Cornell researchers found that child abuse and neglect are associated with income inequality, affecting 3.4 million children under 18 years old each year. The study also highlighted the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment, including increased rates of unemployment and substance use.
Scientists discovered that epigenetic marks in plants can affect complex traits such as flowering time and plant architecture. These marks are stably passed on to later generations, opening up new possibilities for plant breeding and evolution.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia are investigating the potential of brilliant blue G to treat traumatic brain injuries. The dye may temporarily block an immune response that leads to swelling, which can cause damage to brain tissue.
A team of scientists, led by Tom Murphy, found that the performance of laser-based reflectors on the Moon's surface is negatively affected during full moon nights due to accumulated moon dust and heating. The effect was later confirmed during a lunar eclipse in December 2010.
Research reveals a long-term hidden threat to the environment: shrinking households. A study by Michigan State University found that as global household size declines, it will double the number of homes needed per-capita, straining natural resources and the environment.
Researchers explore the physics and biology of ion beam acceleration in cancer treatment, offering greater precision and reduced damage to healthy tissue. The symposium and press briefing discuss the benefits and challenges of hadron therapy, including its potential for cost-saving accelerator designs.
Researchers discovered tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment, also kills Cryptococcus, a fungus causing deadly brain infections. The combination of tamoxifen and fluconazole was synergistic, showing improved activity against the fungus. This finding offers a new approach to treating cryptococcal meningitis.
Researchers found that chronic stress generates more myelin-producing cells and fewer neurons in the brain, disrupting communication and potentially leading to mental problems like anxiety and depression. This long-term change in brain structure may also contribute to conditions such as PTSD, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center identified a key role of the WTAP protein in AML development and found that suppressing it with Hsp90 inhibition greatly suppressed proliferation and induced differentiation. This discovery opens up new avenues for effective therapies for children and adults with newly diagnosed AML.
A new NREL report finds that the value of delivered energy from dry-cooled tower and parabolic trough CSP plants, integrated with thermal energy storage, are quite similar. This technology allows for dispatching solar thermal energy like conventional thermal generation, enabling CSP to respond to changes in supply or demand.
Researchers found that certain management practices can increase habitat availability for species and reduce economic losses for forest owners. The study suggests using compensatory funding to support these efforts and reconcile alternative uses of forests.
Researchers found that even modest weight reduction (5%) can significantly improve OSA and metabolism in overweight patients, preventing disease progression over four years. The study provides first-time long-term evidence of the effectiveness of weight loss in managing OSA.
A new Johns Hopkins research reveals that kidney failure is much less prevalent in living kidney donors than in the general population. The study found a lifetime rate of kidney failure in donors to be 90 per 10,000, compared to 326 per 10,000 in non-donors.
Researchers discovered tamoxifen can kill Cryptococcus germ by interfering with a protein, offering potential new treatment for deadly brain infection. Additional animal experiments are needed to develop new anti-cryptococcal drugs based on the findings.
Researchers found a genetic variation in the NPTN gene associated with thinner grey matter in the left cerebral hemisphere and lower verbal and non-verbal intelligence. The study may help understand biological mechanisms behind psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Innate lymphoid cells play key roles in protecting against infection or parasites, but their origin and function were unknown until now. Researchers identify ILCPs in fetal liver and adult bone marrow, paving the way for a better understanding of the immune system's first line of defense.
The study found higher readmission rates for men, non-Hispanic blacks, and those with longer lengths of stay. The research also identified potential targets for early intervention to reduce readmission rates, such as diagnosis-related groups like kidney and urinary tract infections.
A highly accurate, noninvasive test has been identified to differentiate between benign and potentially cancerous pancreatic cysts. The test analyzes fluid from pancreatic cysts for a specific biomarker, VEGF-A, with 99% accuracy indicating the cyst is benign.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people are more motivated to engage in healthy behavior when they're feeling depleted. Consumers tend to prefer products with safety features more when they're low on energy.
Researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise preserved photoreceptors and retinal cell function in mice with retinal degeneration. Exercise also increased levels of BDNF, a growth- and health-promoting protein.
Research finds that tech products can turn uncool as they gain popularity, and companies need to continually innovate to maintain their appeal. Products with subculture appeal, originality, and attractiveness are considered cool, while utility is not a determining factor.
A global study found that an estimated 5.2% of women worldwide experience non-partner sexual violence, with highest rates in central and southern Africa and lower rates in North Africa and South Asia. The data highlights the need for better policies and services to address this issue
A recent study suggests that women with a BRCA gene mutation who undergo a double mastectomy have a significantly lower risk of death from breast cancer, with an estimated 48% reduction in mortality. This finding has implications for the treatment options available to young women with early-stage breast cancer and BRCA mutations.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that acidic tumor pH counteracts chloroquine's ability to inhibit autophagy in cancer cells. The results may explain the lack of efficacy of chloroquine in clinical studies, particularly in tumors with low oxygen and acidic pH.
Lactate triggers the release of noradrenaline, a hormone fundamental to brain function, via an unknown receptor. This discovery opens new avenues for pharmacology and could lead to novel treatments for conditions like stress, pain and depression.
The University of Oklahoma's new radar system, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban Demonstration Network, aims to improve severe weather warning operations. The network will use data from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private sector sources, to provide real-time analysis and forecasts.
A thin transparent silicone dressing applied from day one can prevent severe skin reactions during radiation therapy, according to New Zealand research. The dressings create a protective environment for skin stem cells to heal from radiation damage.
A Swedish register study found that receiving three doses of HPV vaccine significantly reduces the incidence of genital warts compared to two doses. The study, published in JAMA, suggests that a three-dose regimen may be more effective in preventing genital warts than previously thought.
A new radar network offering higher resolution data and earlier warning of severe weather has been installed in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The system provides finer resolution and improved data on rainfall amounts, wind shear, and tornado signatures within storms.
Tropical Cyclone Fobane was found to still have powerful convective thunderstorms despite weakening. The TRMM satellite's Precipitation Radar instrument measured rain falling at a rate of over 68 mm/hour, indicating intense activity near the storm's center.