Researchers analyzed performance records of 3,305 StarCraft 2 players to find that cognitive motor skills decline after 24 years of age. However, older players compensate by using simpler strategies and more efficient game interfaces.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-135b (miR-135b) is overexpressed in both mouse and human colorectal tumors, associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study suggests that miR-135b could be a valuable target for colorectal cancer treatment and a biomarker of tumor progression.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals that beewolves control transmission of their bacterial symbionts to mother-to-offspring, stabilizing the alliance over millions of years. The symbiosis originated in the late Cretaceous and has persisted through 170 species of wasps.
A community-based HIV prevention effort boosted testing rates by 45% and reduced new infections by 14% in Africa and Thailand. The intervention also led to increased social acceptance of testing and lower rates of sexual partners among infected individuals.
Tropical Cyclone Ita weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in northeastern Queensland, Australia. NASA's TRMM and Suomi NPP satellites captured imagery of the storm's elongating structure and heavy rainfall rates.
Four new species of carnivorous sponges have been discovered in the deep sea, using intricate microscopic hooks to trap crustaceans and other small organisms. These 'killer sponges' thrive in the dark depths of the ocean, where energy is scarce, and rely on clever trapping mechanisms to survive.
A submarine canyon offshore from the strait that separates the U.S. and Canada supplies most of the water coming into Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Canada's Georgia Strait. This intense flow and mixing contribute to the region's high productivity and mysterious ocean conditions.
A new study found that prolonged droughts cause more intense and widespread wildfires, consuming more forests than previously understood. Climate change is expected to lead to shorter rainy seasons and longer dry seasons, increasing the risk of forest fires.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that popular web information on colorectal cancer screening materials are written beyond the recommended sixth-grade reading level and fail to address key risks and barriers. Only half of the sites discussed colorectal cancer risk in the general population, while only a quarter specifical...
Scientists reconstructed the phylogeny and biological history of Yellow-shouldered bats in the New World tropics, revealing three new species. The study highlights the importance of museum collections in uncovering new knowledge and demonstrates the need for ongoing revision of the Earth's biological history.
Children and young adults with epilepsy are more likely to suffer broken bones, burns, and poisonings compared to those without the condition. Young people with epilepsy are at significantly greater risk of being poisoned by medication, especially in the age group of 19-24 years old.
Scientists have discovered how Yersinia pestis alters cell death pathways to kill host cells and cause pneumonic plague. The study reveals that the bacterium destroys Fas ligand, a molecule that stimulates apoptosis, allowing it to overwhelm the lungs and kill its host.
A study published in Blood demonstrated that the C1s antibody prevents the destruction of human red blood cells exposed to patient autoantibodies in cold agglutinin disease. The antibody inhibits Complement deposition on the red blood cell membrane, preventing macrophage engagement and lysis.
Researchers will assess daily tasks like buying tickets and making food using the internet's Actual Reality platform. The goal is to broaden assessment scope for people with MS, making it more accessible and relevant.
Researchers have discovered 10 new parasite species in Australian cuttlefish, revealing complex life cycles and infection patterns. The parasites' ability to reinfect hosts independently suggests a high degree of specificity, making them potential biological tags for assessing population structures.
University of Delaware researchers show that routine procedures in handling and processing nanocarrier solutions can alter their size and shape, affecting targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. The study's findings have significant implications for the production, storage, and use of nano-based drug delivery systems.
Researchers studied Saturn's northern polar region and confirmed the hexagon's stability and unchanged jet stream. They suggest it's a manifestation of a Rossby wave similar to those on Earth, with implications for understanding Saturn's atmosphere.
NTNU researchers have discovered that by tuning a small strain on single nanowires, they can become more effective in LEDs and solar cells. The discovery enables the creation of highly effective solar cells that produce a higher electric power.
Researchers enhance understanding of materials interfaces using DESY's bright research light sources. They discovered a tenfold higher conductivity in a specific interface, shedding light on the mysterious 'missing electrons'. The findings open doors to designing new properties and controlling them.
A new delirium severity score helps predict hospital outcomes in patients with delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) scoring system is validated for predicting adverse outcomes, including prolonged hospital stay and functional decline. Additionally, a US survey shows that obesity contributes to the dramatic increase in diabet...
A new MIT study finds that international efforts to limit ozone-depleting chemicals have been successful in preventing extreme Arctic ozone losses, unlike Antarctica.
Piezotronics harnesses mechanically-induced polarization to modulate charge carriers, leading to novel device applications and unparalleled performance. This technology has given rise to strain-gated piezotronic transistors, logic nanodevices and strain memory devices, enhancing sensing capabilities and enabling 3D structuring.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre has identified Europe's top ICT hubs, which excel in access to top universities, research centers, and funding opportunities. These regions have a high concentration of businesses, innovative output, and strong networks, making them ideal for digital success.
Ferns acquired a gene called neochrome from hornworts, allowing them to thrive in shaded environments. The transfer of this gene helped ferns diversify and flourish under the new canopy, outcompeting flowering plants.
A new study found that forests growing in fertile soils with ample nutrients can sequester up to 30% of the carbon they take up during photosynthesis. In contrast, nutrient-poor forests retain only 6% of that carbon, which is released back into the atmosphere as respiration.
A breakthrough in amplifier design for mobile phone masts could reduce CO2 emissions by around 0.5 million tonnes a year, with an estimated saving of half a mid-size power station's output if 10,000 base stations were fitted.
Researchers developed a corrugated, translucent panel that redirects sunlight onto narrow streets and alleyways, increasing illumination by 200 percent in autumn and winter. The panel is designed to provide natural light for everyday tasks and improve mental health, and its cost is estimated between $70 and $100 per square meter.
A UK awareness campaign has shown some success in delaying the onset of drug-resistant gonorrhea by prompting healthcare professionals and policy-makers to change treatment practices. However, resistance to cefixime and ceftriaxone is still a concern, and continued vigilance is necessary to prevent widespread emergence.
Research finds that long-term antibiotic treatment with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine can cause significant changes in gut microbiota, leading to weight gain in nearly one quarter of patients. The study highlights the need for reduced calorie diets during long-term antibiotic treatment.
A long-term study found that increased television viewing is associated with shorter sleep duration in young children, particularly minority children. The study also showed that sleeping in a room with a TV reduces average sleep time by half an hour.
A pilot study found that children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis improved significantly with antibiotic treatment, with 93% showing improvement within 24 hours. The research suggests that antibiotics may be a successful alternative to surgery for this condition.
Researchers from PNNL explore ways to protect fish from barotrauma, a phenomenon caused by dramatic shifts in water pressure near dams. Modifying turbines to minimize pressure change is a promising solution, improving turbine designs and reducing injuries to fish.
A four-year study of VA hospitals found that nurse tenure is associated with shorter lengths of stay and improved patient outcomes. Experienced RNs working overtime are more cost-effective than hiring temporary staff from agencies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain activity in place cells helps construct cognitive maps, a pattern of activity reflecting an animal's internal representation of its environment. This activation can mark the birth of a memory, as seen in rats who pause to inspect their surroundings and create new place fields.
The CEBAF accelerator successfully delivered its first data of the 12 GeV era, achieving 6.11 GeV electrons at 2 nanoAmps average current for over an hour. The milestone marks a major step in the commissioning process and demonstrates the ability to deliver high-energy beams beyond the original operational energy.
A UT Dallas study found that serious youth offenders who lack hope for the future are more likely to offend at high rates and commit serious offenses. The study suggests that youths who believe they will die earlier tend to focus on short-term gains, leading to impulsive behavior.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and University of Milano-Bicocca have developed large-area luminescent solar concentrators using 'Stokes-shift-engineered' quantum dots. These concentrated solar cells can generate significant power from sunlight, enabling the creation of transparent photovoltaic windows.
A new study found that lower levels of blood glucose in married individuals predict increased anger and aggression towards their spouse. Participants who had lower evening blood glucose levels were willing to deliver louder and longer noise blasts at their spouse, even after controlling for relationship satisfaction.
Recent studies have explored quantum superposition and its potential applications, including quantum computing and optical clocks. Researchers have developed advanced techniques to manipulate individual quantum systems, such as ion traps and microwave cavities, allowing for the investigation of fundamental quantum mechanics.
Researchers found that carrying the ApoE4 gene variant increases the likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in women, but not in men. The discovery holds implications for genetic counselors and clinicians, and could shed light on the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease.
This review discusses four key physiologic processes in bone/tooth formation affected by rare bone diseases. The authors highlight causative mutations, etiopathology, and treatments for conditions like fibrous dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, and hypophosphatasia.
Singlet oxygen modifies target molecules through precise location and monitoring its effects on HCN channels in open and closed states. The findings introduce a method for further exploration of singlet oxygen's role in biological processes, including memory, heart rate, pain sensation, and cancer development.
The new definition of epilepsy includes individuals with two unprovoked seizures and those with a high risk of seizure recurrence. Epilepsy is defined as a disease of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures.
Researchers found that osteoporosis medications inhibit the ability of cells to repair their outer membranes, which can lead to jawbone destruction and other serious side effects. The study suggests that patients taking these drugs should talk to their physicians about potential risks.
Researchers at Umea University found that bicarbonate has a regulatory function in the splitting of water in photosynthesis. This discovery opens up a new research field investigating the biological and ecological consequences of the dual role of carbon dioxide.
Research suggests that irrational health beliefs are associated with lower adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients with more irrational health beliefs completed a lower percentage of sessions than those with fewer such beliefs. Providing evidence-based medical information may help enhance adherence to the program.
Researchers used advanced dating techniques to analyze remains from three caves in Spain, Girona, Gipuzkoa, and Asturias. The findings suggest that Neanderthals and Cro-magnons did not coexist on the Iberian Peninsula, contradicting previous theories.
A study of 305 patients undergoing radiation treatment found that playing an active role in their treatment decisions improved patient satisfaction. Patients who experienced shared decision making or perceived control over their treatments were more satisfied and reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Researchers have genetically modified tobacco plants to increase starch and sugar production, enabling higher ethanol yields. The alternative approach could help replace declining traditional tobacco cultivation in the US and Europe.
Research reveals that beneficial insects like dung beetles and flies react differently to ivermectin due to varying levels of sensitivity. This poses a risk to ecosystem functioning and highlights the need for more comprehensive safety tests to protect these organisms.
A new review article reveals that US adults use dietary supplements to improve overall health and fill nutrient gaps in their diet. The study found that half to two-thirds of American adults use supplements, with motivations rooted in a desire to stay healthy.
Researchers at NUS have developed a technique to study the interface between materials, revealing new properties that arise when two materials are combined. This breakthrough opens doors to the development of better solar cells, novel superconductors, and smaller hard drives.
Research published in BMJ Open found a 15% decrease in dietary salt intake between 2003-2011, likely contributing to a 40% decline in heart disease and stroke deaths. Despite progress, 70% of adults still consume excessive amounts of salt.
Researchers found long-term cycles in oceanic carbon isotope sequence, suggesting a connection between ice-sheet and carbon cycles. The study reveals that the Southern Ocean's nutrient transfer led to major changes in global ocean biogeochemistry.
A new study finds that microRNA 135b drives the growth of bowel cancers and is a vital 'worker' for several important cancer genes. Testing levels of this molecule could identify patients with aggressive disease, while drugs targeting it may prevent tumour growth and reduce resistance.
Clinical trials show chemotherapy before surgery improves muscle-invasive bladder cancer survival. Chemotherapy after surgery also increases survival rates, with a significant improvement over time.
Connor Richards, a second-year undergraduate student at UC Riverside, has won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for his research in high-energy physics. He is participating in research at the Large Hadron Collider to detect evidence of supersymmetry and understand dark matter.
A Stanford-led study found that an empowerment program for adolescent girls in Kenyan slums sharply curtails rape and sexual harassment. Nearly 18% of participants had been raped before the program began, but after training, more than half fended off rape or stopped harassment, halting 817 assaults.
A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify children with emotional behavior disorders, including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The study found that poverty may wash out any effects of AIDS on the children's mental health, and that community-based organizations need training to respond to their needs.
Researchers used airborne laboratory to measure methane gas above shale gas wells during drilling phase, finding high-emitting wells contributing large portion of total emissions. This discovery could lead to development new methods inventory methane emissions and better define environmental impacts of shale gas development.
A randomized controlled trial found that pharmacists significantly improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels in stroke patients, with a 43% absolute improvement compared to the control group. Pharmacists' active medication adjustment contributed to this effect, despite already taking antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications.
Scientists discovered that species with germ plasm, a cell lineage responsible for producing gametes, evolve faster than those without. This accelerated rate of evolution leads to 'explosive radiations' of species and challenges traditional views on the process.
A 20-year study confirms that moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with an increased risk of stroke, cancer, and death. The study found that people with severe sleep apnea were four times more likely to die and nearly four times more likely to have a stroke.
Researchers developed a new scoring system, CAM-S, to measure delirium severity in older adults, which is associated with hospital mortality rates of up to 33% and estimated annual healthcare costs of over $182 billion. The study found that length of hospital stay increases with delirium severity, as well as mean hospital costs.
A study by researchers at Stanford University found that gene panels can help identify clinically actionable mutations in women with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The technique, which focuses on a few select genes, is quicker, easier and cheaper than whole-genome sequencing.
Research found that dog ownership provides numerous benefits to families of children with autism, including reduced stress levels, improved social skills development, and increased responsibilities. Parents should consider their child's sensitivities when choosing a pet to ensure a suitable match.
A telephone-based collaborative care model was effective in managing depression and anxiety in patients with heart disease, improving health-related quality of life. The study found that patients receiving the intervention had greater average improvement in mental health scores at 24 weeks compared to those in the control group.
A Canadian study shows that patient empowerment de-prescribing interventions can help seniors reduce or eliminate sleeping pill use. The intervention involved a 7-page handout providing information on risks and tapering protocols, with 62% of participants discussing medication changes with their healthcare provider.
A new study found that children treated at private clinics in sub-Saharan Africa are less likely to receive life-saving oral rehydration therapy, while poorer and rural children face significant disparities in care. The research estimates that closing the gap in care could save up to 20,000 lives annually.
A traditional Chinese herbal remedy, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown to be as effective as methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Combining the herbal remedy with methotrexate resulted in improved outcomes for patients, including significant reductions in disease activity and remission rates.
Cosmic slurp: Researchers used NSF XSEDE supercomputers to simulate tidal disruptions of stars by supermassive black holes, predicting their observational signatures. This will help advance our understanding of galactic physics and properties of supermassive black holes.
The NC Pre-K program has been found to improve language and literacy skills, math skills, general knowledge, and social skills in four-year-old students. Notably, children from lower-income families who attended the program showed higher reading and math scores by the end of third grade.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a microfluidic device that enables the analysis of small quantities of cells, allowing for better understanding of diseases. The device uses chromatin immunoprecipitation and produces reliable results with as few as 10-100 cells, compared to millions of cells previously required.
Tropical Depression Peipah has brought clouds, showers, and gusty winds to the southern and central Philippines. NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured images showing the remnant clouds covering the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
A study found that 15-month-old babies value fairness unless they see a person of the same race receiving an unfair benefit. In such cases, babies are more tolerant of unfairness. The researchers also discovered that infants integrate information about race and social history when choosing a playmate.
Researchers at University of South Carolina develop a new method to restore antibiotics' power, using protective polymers to combat bacterial defenses. The approach has shown promise in lab tests, particularly against hospital-associated strains of MRSA.
A new study reveals a strong connection between domestic abuse and postpartum mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, stress, anxiety, OCD, and more. The research found that women who experienced abuse were more likely to suffer from mental health issues, with specific types of abuse linked to specific symptoms.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) test on patients with suspected heart attacks while they are being transported to hospital by ambulance can significantly reduce mortality rates. The study, which analyzed data from nearly half a million adults admitted with a heart attack in Eng...
Research suggests that both underweight and overweight women during pregnancy may increase the risk of their children becoming overweight. Women with normal BMI before pregnancy who gain too much or too little weight are more likely to have a child with obesity.
Depressive symptoms increased by 68% in young fathers over the first five years of fatherhood. Early intervention is crucial to help young men transition through this critical period and mitigate the detrimental effects on their children's language, reading, and behavior development.
A team of researchers in China has created a new artificial surface that can bend and focus electromagnetic waves like an antenna. The breakthrough, described as the first broadband transformation optics metasurface lens, may lead to flat or ultra-low profile antennas.
Scientists studying high-altitude trekkers found increased insulin resistance and inflammation markers after prolonged exposure to hypoxia. The study suggests possible interventions to reduce progression towards full-blown diabetes.
Researchers at KIT and EPFL demonstrated the use of miniaturized optical frequency comb sources for coherent data transmission in the terabit range, achieving a data rate of 1.44 terabits per second over 300 km.