Researchers investigated four trained therapy dogs and found no stress during group therapy. The study established that freedom relaxes the dogs, reducing cortisol levels, and symptoms of stressed dogs include hair loss and anxiety-like behaviors. Regular supervision is recommended for therapy dogs to ensure their well-being.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis solved the structure of NolR, a master off-switch for the nodulation process that converts bacteria into nitrogen-fixing organisms. The discovery provides insight into the biological machinery of nitrogen-fixing and may lead to re-engineering crop plants with on-site nitrogen-fixing systems.
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new tool to investigate the chemistry of nature using ultrashort laser pulses. The tool allows for insights into electronic and structural dynamics of molecules and molecular complexes, revealing mechanisms of molecular processes on subpicosecond timescales.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that consumers who experience rudeness from sales staff are more likely to purchase and wear luxury brands. The study suggests that a 'snobbish' attitude is beneficial for high-end retailers, but only if the salesperson appears authentic.
Researchers found that mobile users tend to distrust sites with instant gratification messages, and are more willing to share sensitive information after viewing security alerts. This phenomenon suggests that users prioritize privacy over convenience in digital interactions.
A study by Carnegie Mellon researchers found that providing digital feedback after medication taking improved adherence rates, promptness, and correctness. Participants who received ongoing feedback showed significant improvements compared to those who didn't, suggesting a beneficial effect of continuous monitoring.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that only about half of strokes are attributable to known risk factors. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,800 individuals and estimated that hypertension and smoking were the most significant contributing factors.
Researchers have identified a new and accurate test for Parkinson's disease using 3T MRI scanning technology, known as the 'swallow tail' appearance of the healthy nigrosome. This sign is absent in Parkinson's disease, making it a potential diagnostic tool for clinicians.
A new study has identified molecules that send detrimental signals in preeclampsia patients, which may lead to poor health outcomes in babies born to mothers with the syndrome. The researchers found that these molecules are associated with increased risk of disease later in life.
The paper argues that universities should value faculty patents and commercialization activities equally in decisions related to tenure and academic advancement. The authors suggest that encouraging innovation and supporting bright young faculty can lead to a culture change that recognizes the value of these activities.
A French study found a small link between HIV drug use during pregnancy and an increased risk of heart defects in children. However, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV outweigh the risks.
A team of researchers has developed a tool to accurately identify the biogeography of worldwide individuals using genetic distribution and geographical distance. This method, called GPS, is sensitive and specific, allowing it to identify place of origin even in ethnically diverse regions like the US.
A UCLA research team has made significant progress in developing a computer-aided diagnostic system to accurately distinguish between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. By analyzing clinical notes from patients with medication-resistant seizure disorder, the team achieved a diagnosis accuracy of 65% using machine learning methods.
Researchers from UConn, University of Maryland, and Rice University will analyze and upgrade security protections for nanoscale computer hardware with a $7.5 million grant. The project aims to elevate security as a fundamental design parameter for next-generation nanoscale devices.
Leading food and nutrition scientists emphasized the importance of understanding dietary fats for optimal health. Research is needed to better understand the role of fats and their impact on health, particularly with changing dietary recommendations over the years.
A study found that sending comprehensive weekly reports to hospital leadership significantly reduced carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii transmission rates. The rate decreased from 5.13 per 10,000 patient days to 1.93 in just two years.
The new journal Urology Practice will focus on clinical trends, challenges and practice applications in the four areas of Business, Health Policy, Specialty and Patient Care. It aims to provide information that can be used in everyday practice through peer-reviewed articles and other content.
A study found that many women with early-stage breast cancer lose paid employment after diagnosis, particularly those who received chemotherapy. Women who received chemotherapy were 1.4 times more likely to be unemployed at follow-up.
Scientists have found that targeting adhesion molecule CD146 with anti-CD146 antibody AA98 shows promise in reducing inflammation and tumor incidence in mice with colitis. The study suggests that CD146 plays a dual role in promoting inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory bowel disease and preve...
Researchers found that oxytocin increased two facial gestures associated with social interactions in infant rhesus monkeys. The hormone promoted more communicative behavior, including lip smacking and standing close to caregivers, in strong imitators, suggesting its potential as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
Research suggests that rising ocean temperatures will lead to a decrease in inter-reef connectivity and coral diversity. As reefs retain more of their own coral larvae, they may recover faster from disturbances but also become more vulnerable to climate change.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab discovered that the re-ordering of spin in manganites is not ultra-fast, but rather exhibits a glass-like state, with the restoration of crystalline order delayed. This separation of charge-ordering behavior from spin-ordering behavior may lead to new approaches for manipulating spin effects.
A new study finds that supporting sustainable cattle ranching practices in Brazil could significantly reduce deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. By subsidizing productive land use and taxing unsustainable practices, Brazil could halve its deforestation rate and shave off 25% of global emissions.
A study published in Chromatographia found that certain volatile organic compounds, including ethanol and 2-butanone, are higher in individuals with larynx cancer. These compounds may serve as potential markers for the disease, offering an alternative to traditional biomarkers.
Two studies from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine show that patients are often unaware of proper weight gain during pregnancy, highlighting the importance of improved communication. Additionally, research on prenatal testing for morbidly obese women reveals no increased risk of complications or early delivery.
Tropical Storm Tapah is moving north through the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, bringing a tropical storm warning for Saipan and Tinian. The storm is expected to strengthen into a typhoon by April 29 and may cause significant weather conditions.
Researchers found that initial support, such as donations or endorsements, significantly increased the likelihood of subsequent successes. These findings suggest that artificial help can catalyse further achievements, supporting the idea that 'success breeds success.'
A study of over 93,000 patients found that complications from kidney stone treatments require hospitalization or emergency care for one in seven patients. The procedures were shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with costs ranging from $32,000 to $47,000.
Studies by Brown University researchers confirm that crabs are ravaging coastal saltmarshes in New England and Long Island. The team's work reveals herbivory of cordgrass by the Sesarma crab is a major cause of marsh death, with overfishing reducing natural predator populations.
Raspberries are sought after for their health benefits, with growing demand for novel fruit colors. Researchers found that different colored raspberries have distinct postharvest qualities, including decay incidence and juice leakage rates.
A new study by University of Guelph researcher Prof. Merritt Turetsky and her team found that wetlands are a significant source of methane emissions, which could contribute to global warming. The study analyzed almost 20,000 field data measurements from across arctic, temperate, and tropical regions and suggests that northern wetlands ...
New research from UEA shows a single bacterial strain can grow on both methane and propane in natural gas, reducing pollution. This finding could help mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas seeps and human activities.
African American children with a genetic predisposition to diabetes can reduce their risk by consuming the USDA-recommended dose of calcium. Higher calcium intake appears to mitigate the impact of some risk genes for type 2 diabetes.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics found a correlation between the loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells and both a shorter life span and higher mortality from cancer in other organs. Men who had lost the Y chromosome in a large proportion of their blood cells had a lower survival rate, irrespective of cause of death.
A Northwestern University study reveals a 20% decrease in ozone levels when fuel prices drive residents to switch from ethanol to gasoline in flexible-fuel vehicles. The study uses big data and consumer surveys to analyze the impact of human behavior on air quality in São Paulo.
Researchers have identified the RAF1 gene as a cause of childhood-onset dilated cardiomyopathy, a progressive and potentially fatal heart condition. The study found that patients with this genetic variant showed increased activity of the protein mTOR, which can be inhibited with FDA-approved drugs.
A new study reveals that the South Asian summer monsoon is experiencing significant changes in extreme wet and dry events, leading to an increased risk of drought and flood in central India. The researchers found that the intensity of wet spells and the number of dry spells have both been increasing in recent decades.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to estimate newborn size based on birth records, improving accuracy for clinicians and researchers. The updated thresholds may aid in classifying babies as small or large for gestational age.
Scientists successfully create 'heterostructures' with novel functionalities, such as tunnelling transistors and solar cells. By controlling the relative orientation between graphene and boron nitride, researchers can reconstruct the crystal structure of graphene and open a band-gap.
Researchers used seismograms collected in the Sierra Nevada EarthScope field experiment to image the earth under the range. Their results reveal that the entire eastern Sierra overlies low-velocity upper mantle and lacks dense, quartz-poor lower crust. This suggests that a long strip of dense rock fell away to the west and south, causi...
Researchers found that higher-protein breakfasts provided increased feelings of fullness and lesser calorie intake at lunch compared to lower-protein breakfasts. Optimal amounts of protein at breakfast can help with hunger control and blood glucose stability.
Researchers at NIH's NIAID have developed a monkey model of human hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, allowing them to study the disease's progression and potential treatments. The study found that the virus triggers a life-threatening immune response nearly two weeks after infection, providing a potential target for early diagnosis.
Researchers tracked over 70 flatback sea turtles using satellite tracking systems to identify a high-value migratory corridor within Australia's newly established marine parks. The study reveals the turtles' transit passage falls mostly within these protected areas, providing crucial insights for conservation planning.
Scientists have confirmed the presence of a new fungus variant in Alava, Spain, which may be more resistant to conventional fungicides. This discovery could lead to the emergence of more aggressive strains of Phytophthora infestans, causing further damage to potato crops.
Research finds that people using a foreign language take a relatively utilitarian approach to moral dilemmas, making decisions based on assessments of what's best for the common good. This pattern holds even in emotionally difficult outcomes, such as sacrificing one life so others could live.
A new study suggests that encouraging the intensification of Brazil's cattle production or taxing conventional pastures could deliver a substantial cut in global greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing deforestation, Brazil may be able to spare up to 80% of recently deforested land.
Researchers found that basal wire coiling, a simple and effective method, increased sugar concentration in tomato fruit juice. The technique results in lower shoot moisture content and reduced competition for photosynthates, leading to higher sugar concentrations.
Researchers found that anammox, a crucial environmental process, is almost completely absent in Narragansett Bay but present in Rhode Island Sound. This disparity suggests that bay sediments lack the necessary conditions to activate anammox.
A systematic review of 31,085 deliveries found that induced labor is associated with a lower risk of cesarean delivery. Prostaglandin E2 is linked to significant reductions in cesarean risks.
A $2.3 million study will analyze 20 Cleveland neighborhoods to understand the impact of neighborhood conditions, social services, and reporting processes on child maltreatment rates. The research aims to identify factors tied to reduced abuse and neglect, potentially highlighting new targets for interventions at the neighborhood level.
A study of 67 transplant patients found those with naturally high levels of HLA-G dimer, a powerful immune molecule package, had the lowest risk of rejecting their transplanted kidney. High HLA-G levels also correlated with lower inflammation and higher expression of HLA-G receptors.
Researchers found that urban areas in warmer regions experience delayed butterfly emergence compared to rural areas. The study's findings suggest that butterflies may be more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought, and highlight the importance of understanding species' responses to urbanization and temperature increases.
Strategic thinking training has been proven beneficial in normal and clinical populations, leading to improved cognitive performance and brain function. The study highlights the potential of this type of training to enhance intellect and prevent cognitive decline.
Researchers have found that organs from donors with a history of certain cancers pose little risk to recipients, allowing for improved transplant survival rates. Optimizing donor organ preservation techniques can also improve graft function and reduce energy depletion in livers after circulatory death.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that a single cell type, T-helper cells, is actively suppressed in several experimental cancer vaccines. This discovery paves the way for methods to break suppression and improve cancer vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers found that individuals cooperated more with computer counterparts expressing positive emotions after cooperation and negative emotions after exploitation. This study highlights the importance of managing facial expressions in business interactions to achieve cooperation.
Researchers have discovered that retrotransposons, or viral elements incorporated into the human genome, are essential for maintaining the ability of stem cells to differentiate into many different types of body cells. The study found that degrading these transcripts causes iPS cells to lose their pluripotency and differentiate.
A new study reveals that people who attempt suicide have distorted thoughts about their self-worth, comparisons with others, and the future. Researchers found that targeting these thoughts can help reduce hopelessness and suicidal ideation in clinical interventions.
The 8th edition of Scientific Style and Format, a definitive resource on scientific editorial style and publishing practices, is now available online. The new edition features updated coverage of technologies, plagiarism, and copyright law, as well as changes in stylistic recommendations.
A study by researchers from Mississippi State and Louisiana State Universities reveals that early planting and delaying harvest can increase yield and economic benefits for sweetpotato producers. The results showed that marketable yield of the sweetpotato cultivars was consistently greater in early plantings than late plantings.