A study by New York University researchers shows that the capacity of working memory is better explained by the quality of memories stored rather than their number. The analysis of over 130,000 subject responses found that memory performance decreased with an increase in recalled information.
Global average storm surge damages could increase from $10-$40 billion to up to $100,000 billion per year by the end of century if no adaptation action is taken. Investing in coastal protection measures can reduce projected damages to below $80 billion per year.
A quarter of crashes in the US are now attributed to mobile phone use, with texting being the riskiest activity. Experts recommend technological solutions to prevent distracted driving, such as software that prevents texting while driving or signal jamming keys.
A recent study has confirmed the presence of 21 lizard species in Qatar, with some species found only in specific locations. The distribution maps will help identify areas that require urgent conservation measures to protect these species.
The University of California, Riverside has found that Tamarixia radiata, a wasp that targets the Asian citrus psyllid, poses no significant environmental risk. The wasp is being used for biological control in Florida, Texas, and other regions to combat the invasive pest.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have successfully treated mouse models of Hurler syndrome with gene therapy delivered via platelets and bone marrow cells. The treatment resulted in complete metabolic correction of the disease, normalizing IDUA levels in peripheral organs.
A mid-level solar flare was emitted by the sun on February 3, 2014, reaching its peak at midnight EST. The NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the event.
A recent study published in Journal of Addiction Medicine found that US adolescents consuming energy drinks have higher rates of alcohol, cigarette, or drug use. The study analyzed data from nearly 22,000 secondary school students and suggested that energy drink users are more likely to report other types of substance use.
LeDoux highlights the confusion in neuroscience research on fear, conflation of behavioral and physiological responses, and how this affects the development of effective treatments for anxiety disorders. He calls for greater precision in defining fear to enhance existing scholarship and create superior remedies.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative-Kenya aims to improve girls' lives in Kenya through health, wealth creation, education, and violence-prevention sectors. The program will reach at least 10,000 girls ages 10-14 with rigorous evaluation to determine the most effective interventions.
A team of researchers developed the EyeMusic, a sensory substitution device that enables blind individuals to recognize basic shapes and colors through pleasant auditory representations. Users were able to correctly identify shapes and colors after minimal training, indicating potential for widespread use.
The largest sequencing study to date reveals most higher animal genes are present in all sponge groups, challenging previous thought of complex structures being absent. The study provides a framework for posing new hypotheses on determining gene function in sponges and the evolution of animal complexity.
A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center identified three core factors and thirteen strategies to increase buy-in from practice teams in transitioning to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, resource utilization, team environment, defined work roles, and targeted resources.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant rise in skin cancer among middle-aged adults, with incidence increasing nearly eightfold between 1970 and 2009. Women between 40 and 50 showed the highest rates of increase, while men were more likely to have deeper lesions.
A landmark multi-center study found that patients with less scarring in the left atrium had higher ablation success rates. The study suggests that earlier treatment may be beneficial, as longer A-fib experience leads to more scarring. Loyola Medicine was a major enroller in the study.
Researchers found that individuals with consistently elevated blood pressure levels throughout early adulthood had a higher risk of coronary artery calcification, a key indicator of heart disease. The study identified five distinct blood pressure trajectories, and those who exhibited increasing or elevated BP levels over time had large...
A new alternative approach to traditional introductory laboratory courses significantly increases student retention rates. Research published in mBio found that SEA-PHAGES students continued on to their second year at over 90% higher rates than other groups.
A recent study reviews existing research on sports competition and concludes that playing at home can have a significant psychological impact on athletes, with findings including increased testosterone levels and higher cortisol stress hormone levels. However, the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still unclear.
A novel simplified IVF procedure has been shown to achieve similar fertilization and implantation rates as conventional methods, enabling more affordable access to IVF for a larger global population. The study results in 16 successful live births using the new method, with potential to reduce laboratory costs.
A study found that pre-term infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity are at a higher risk of developing non-visual disabilities, including motor impairment and cognitive impairment. These findings may help improve counseling for parents and selecting high-risk infants for long-term follow-up.
A new study explores contributors to excess infant mortality in the US South, finding prematurity and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death as top causes. The research also highlights racial disparities in infant mortality rates, with non-Hispanic black births facing higher mortality rates in certain states.
A study by the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that only 62-65% of adults aged 65+ received pneumococcal or influenza vaccines, highlighting a growing public health concern. The study suggests using Immunization Information Systems to improve vaccination rates and address financial barriers.
A new study supports tele-emergency services in extending emergency care to rural areas. The research found that 95% of respondents felt tele-emergency improved the quality of care at their facility, with benefits including second opinions and adherence to evidence-based protocols.
A study found that susceptibility-weighted imaging can detect small clusters of hypointensity in the brain, indicating acute and chronic injuries from concussion or subconcussive events. The research also identified sex differences in the extent of these changes.
Research suggests that subarctic lakes are sensitive to changes in snowmelt, with many at risk of drying out due to climate change. Additionally, scientists have found that seafloor sites could potentially store centuries' worth of carbon emissions through industrial-scale carbon capture and storage programs.
A team of scientists designed a microchip coated with blood vessel cells to study nanoparticle accumulation in atherosclerotic arteries. The device demonstrated the ability to screen and optimize nanoparticles' design, correlating well with animal model results.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a gum-like lithium battery electrolyte that works as well as liquid electrolytes but doesn't create a fire hazard. The new material, which is a hybrid of liquid and solid, contains liquid electrolyte material suspended in solid particles of wax or a similar material.
A global decline in killer whale numbers occurred approximately 40,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, with a bottleneck and loss of genetic diversity. The South African population remained genetically diverse, suggesting it escaped the bottleneck due to a stable Bengeula upwelling system.
Researchers found that 6-month-old infants later diagnosed with autism diverted their gaze from facial features when a face was speaking. This suggests that these infants had difficulty maintaining attention to relevant social information from an early age, which could impact their social development and communication skills.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that people seriously injured by violence have a similar mortality rate to those injured in accidents, with no significant difference in death rates over seven to nine years. The study suggests that trauma care is effective in extending the lives of severely injured patients regardless of cause.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV-positive men are more likely to engage in safer sex practices when their moods improve, compared to weeks with worsening moods. Depression was linked to an increased risk of unprotected sex.
A Chinese woman died from a new bird flu virus H10N8 after visiting a live poultry market, with the virus showing genetic characteristics allowing it to replicate efficiently in humans. The H10N8 strain has been previously isolated but never reported in humans before.
A recent study reveals the unique way honeybees process information from both front tarsi to decide whether to feed, highlighting the importance of their sense of taste in finding nectar and pollen. The sensitivity of their claws and tarsomeres plays a crucial role in detecting sweet and salty substances.
A new study reveals that high levels of glucose in diabetes patients induce the production of PGC-1alpha in endothelial cells, preventing them from growing properly. This leads to vascular dysfunction and impaired wound healing, increasing the risk of microvascular complications.
Regulatory efforts aimed at e-cigarettes have been misguided, leading to unintended consequences for public health. Experts propose evidence-based guidelines that prioritize good manufacturing practices, child-proof caps, and clear labeling, while acknowledging the availability of existing EU legislation to address safety issues.
A new photon-counting technique improves cancer detection rates in digital mammography screening, particularly for ductal carcinoma in situ. The method reduces scattered radiation and noise, enabling lower doses and improved outcomes.
A new study of 49,000 high school seniors found that most spend their earnings on clothes, music, and entertainment, with males spending more on cars. Despite this, college savers tend to have better grades and lower substance use, but still face negative effects from long working hours.
Researchers analyzed killer whale genomic data and found that populations declined during the last Ice Age due to a bottleneck effect, leading to low genetic diversity except in southern Africa's refuge population.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure left atrial wall fibrosis using delayed enhancement MRI, which is associated with increased risk of recurrent rhythm disorder after treatment. The study suggests that this measure may help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from ablation therapy.
Lorena Moscardelli presents a terrestrial, deep-water analogy to support the existence of an ancient Martian ocean. She documents boulder-size rocks on Mars' northern plains that are similar to blocks transported by subaqueous mass-transport events in Earth's deep water environments.
A new model developed by Bruno Ribeiro at Carnegie Mellon University assesses the viability of membership-based websites and social networks. The model successfully predicted the sustainability of six years' worth of user statistics for 22 membership-based websites, separating self-sustaining from unsustainable sites.
A new drug treatment has been found to be effective against chronic pain caused by nerve damage, including post-herpetic neuralgia. Fifty-eight per cent of participants taking the drug found it effective, reducing pain by at least 30 per cent.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered a direct link between urbanization and increased parasitic infections in wild house finches. The study found that birds from more urbanized areas were heavier and more infected by internal parasites, which disrupt the animal's ability to get nutrients.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a novel sensor system that can monitor airborne contaminants and automatically adjust ventilation levels to maintain high-quality indoor air. The system has the potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and minimize health hazards associated with poor air quality.
A genetic mutation affecting a horse's gait has been found to be spread across the world, with highest frequency in Latin American breeds like the Paso Fino. The 'gait keeper' mutation, influenced by human selection, provides a smooth ride and minimal vertical movement.
Research found that shivering releases irisin, a hormone that stimulates calorie-burning brown fat and improves metabolism. This mechanism is similar to exercise-stimulated secretion of irisin, suggesting potential benefits for treating or preventing obesity.
The new cholesterol guidelines suggest that caregivers prescribe statins to healthy patients if their 10-year cardiovascular risk is 7.5 percent or higher. A decision-making tool can help patients and clinicians weigh the benefits and harms of treatment, making a personalized choice based on individual values and context.
New dynamic polymer created with commercially available ingredients shows promise for healing cracks and breaking down, with potential applications in coatings and paints. The breakthrough enables mass production of self-healing materials at low cost and without catalysts.
A study found that telemedicine can reduce hospitalizations for nursing home residents by 5.3-9.7%, saving Medicare millions of dollars per year. The key to successful implementation lies in engagement, as simply making telemedicine available does not guarantee its use.
Tropical Storm Edna has developed in the South Pacific Ocean east of Queensland, while System 94P/Fletcher continues to have a medium chance for development. NASA's Aqua satellite captured both storms in one infrared image, showing convection and thunderstorm development beginning to erode System 94P's center over land.
Research by Robert Boessenecker uncovers a record of 21 marine mammal species from the San Francisco Bay Area's Purisima Formation, dating back 5-2.5 million years. A new species of fossil whale, Balaenoptera bertae, is discovered, closely related to minke and fin whales.
A new study suggests that shivering and bouts of moderate exercise can convert energy-storing 'white fat' into energy-burning 'brown fat'. This process could protect against diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. The conversion is triggered by the hormones irisin and FGF21, which are stimulated by cold exposure and muscle activity.
Researchers developed a lightweight detection system using the hidden semi-Markov model to identify malware-infected computers. The approach can model normal behavior and highlight deviations caused by malware, making it easier to detect botnets in real-time.
A Michigan State University study found that obese men are more likely to have colorectal polyps, precancerous growths linked to colon cancer. The research showed a significant association between elevated leptin levels, higher body mass index, and larger waistlines with an increased risk of having these polyps.
A recent brain scan study suggests that individuals engage in risky behaviors due to inadequate self-control, rather than excessive desire. The research used a video game to simulate risk-taking and found that the software accurately predicted choices 71% of the time.
A GW researcher has found a connection between the pathogenesis of prion disease and HIV, discovering that impairment of cellular cholesterol metabolism is key to their development. The study suggests that stimulation of ABCA1, a cellular cholesterol transporter, could inhibit conversion of prions into a pathogenic form.
Researchers found that rare and common plant species had similar tolerances to widely used herbicides, suggesting a lack of persistent effects on plant communities. The study highlights the need for alternative strategies, such as preserving farmland habitats, in plant conservation efforts.
A large national study found that elevated blood pressure as young as age 18 is a warning sign of cardiovascular disease developing later in life. The study identified distinct blood pressure patterns from ages 18 to 55 that reveal people at high risk for calcification of coronary arteries, a marker for heart disease.
Researchers have developed a graphene water balloon to visualize hydrated protein molecules without freezing or slicing them. This technique allows for the capture of high-resolution images of ferritin, a protein critical for human health, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery found that helicopter transport significantly improves survival rates for trauma patients with severe injuries, reducing mortality rates compared to ground ambulance transport. The researchers attributed this improved outcome to advanced monitoring and equipment available in air ambu...