A study by Indiana University researchers has found that subtle variations in movement patterns among individuals with autism spectrum disorder are indicators of the disorder's severity. The study also identified a pattern of random minute speed fluctuations in some parents of children with autism, suggesting a genetic role in movement...
A new study suggests that changes in brain connections visible on MRI could represent an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers analyzed 102 patients and found a strong association between increased beta amyloid plaque and decreased white matter strength.
Research warns that bariatric surgery patients who don't take their prescribed supplements, especially Vitamin A, are at risk of eye-related complications such as night blindness and dry eyes. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to severe consequences like total blindness if left undetected.
A special issue of Journal of Public Health Management and Practice presents 15 articles on urban public health leaders' efforts to design new approaches to make cities healthier places to live. The strategies include comprehensive plans, health promotion, injury prevention, and collaboration with community players.
Scientists discovered that SPLUNC1 binds to pulmonary lipids to fight lung infection, keeping airways flexible and hydrated. This finding brings the protein closer to becoming a viable therapy for asthma and COPD patients.
Researchers identified a genetic susceptibility factor for UV tanning dependence, with variations in the PTCHD2 gene linked to increased risk. The study of over 319,000 participants highlights the importance of genetics in shaping individual responses to UV exposure.
Rice University scientists used a novel testing method to measure graphene's ability to absorb impact, finding it stretches before breaking. The technique, LIPIT, allows for rapid evaluation of nanoscale materials, with potential applications in body armor and spacecraft shielding.
A computer system developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has achieved equal performance to humans in extracting structured information from scientific publications. The system, PaleoDeepDive, was trained on a large dataset of paleontological studies and demonstrated its ability to extract relevant data with high accuracy.
A new study by the University of Southern California finds that lower private health care prices lead to higher Medicare spending, with 3% increase in spending per member per year and 4.3% more specialist visits. Further research is needed to understand the cause of this shift.
Researchers at TUM develop a method to extract optically stored information from nitrogen-vacancy centers in nanodiamonds electronically. The technique uses a direct transfer of energy to a neighboring graphene layer, enabling picosecond electronic detection.
A literature review suggests that prompt and appropriate treatment of dislocated shoulders can minimize risk and effects of related bone, muscle, and nerve injuries. The study found that up to 96 percent of dislocations are traumatic, occurring most often during contact sports or falls onto an outstretched hand.
Researchers have identified genetic factors associated with increased iron and zinc levels in chickpea seeds, a staple food in developing countries. The findings support the development of molecular breeding strategies to enhance micronutrient content in chickpea cultivars.
Researchers have found that blocking the CCR5 receptor with an HIV drug can significantly reduce metastasis to the bone in prostate cancer. This breakthrough suggests a potential new treatment approach for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
A study found that female flies live longer than males when subjected to mate competition and juvenile survival pressures. The research suggests that the sexes respond differently to selection regimes, with males being more affected by natural and sexual selection on their lifespan.
Researchers measured head blows in girls' lacrosse players, finding accelerations of up to 60g and reducing effects with protective headgear. The study's results suggest that while headgear can reduce accelerations, it may also increase aggression in the game.
Scientists found that firebug gut bacteria produce essential B vitamins, which are then used by the host to survive. The symbiotic relationship is not harmonious, as insects actively harvest the vitamins from their bacterial partners by bursting open cell walls.
A study by Michigan State University sociologists found that political orientation is the most influential factor in shaping perceptions about climate change. Climate extremes such as droughts and record temperatures do not change people's minds about global warming.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered that bisphosphonates block abnormal growth signals passed through the human EGF receptors, which drive some tumors. The study suggests that bisphosphonates could be used to prevent or treat lung, breast, and colon cancers.
A new study reveals that exercise following gastric bypass surgery provides additional benefits for obese patients, including improved insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular fitness. This clinical trial supports the inclusion of an exercise program after bariatric surgery to enhance overall health outcomes.
Microbial succession in restrooms begins with gut and vaginal bacteria, followed by skin and outdoor microbes. Skin and outdoor taxa comprise most of the cultured communities, suggesting restrooms are not significantly unhealthy or healthy.
A genetic mutation has been identified as the cause of congenital sucrose-isomaltase deficiency (CSID), a disorder that prevents the absorption of sucrose in Inuit people. The study found that CSID is more common in Inuit individuals living in northern Canada and Greenland.
A study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers finds that political correctness in the workplace boosts creativity among mixed-sex teams by clarifying expectations and reducing sexist language. This challenges the conventional view that PC constraints stifle creative expression.
A new study from Brown University reveals that minority students in STEM fields face unique challenges, including a need for social justice components and work-life balance guidance. The research gathered input from 50 underrepresented minority students to identify key themes that could improve their STEM training and career pursuits.
Research published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles analyzed rain samples from Bermuda to investigate the origin of oceanic nitrogen. The authors found that certain nitrogen isotopes likely represent ammonium recycled from the ocean rather than inputted from human activities.
A genetic marker in the SHROOM3 gene has been found to be associated with increased fibrosis and function loss in kidney transplants. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to improved screening of potential donors and development of new drugs to prevent disease progression.
Researchers found that having diabetes in midlife may protect against cognitive decline later in life, while living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood increases the risk of rehospitalization. Additionally, sharing patient health information through health information exchange reduces ER visits and costs.
The IBS research team discovered that dsRNAs activate Protein Kinase R (PKR), regulating protein synthesis and mitotic processes. Disruption of PKR activation led to defects in cell division.
The team designs 'digital' metamaterials composed of two materials with positive and negative permittivity values, enabling the creation of flat lenses, hyperlenses, and waveguides. By carefully arranging these materials, they can produce bulk metamaterials with nearly any desired permittivity value.
Researchers map out 'safe entry zones' for brainstem surgery using fiber tract dissection techniques and 3D photography. The study provides unprecedented descriptions and images of the inner anatomy of the brainstem, helping neurosurgeons plan the best approach to microsurgical procedures.
A mass extinction event played a crucial role in the dominance of ray-finned fish today. Bony fish diversified heavily after the Permian-Triassic boundary extinction event.
The Monash Vision Group has received a significant boost in funding for its Bionic Eye project, which aims to restore vision to millions globally. With $3 million in philanthropic donations, the project is now on track for human trials next year and could change tens of thousands of lives.
Researchers develop a method to activate expression of paternal Ube3a allele, reducing cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. A study in mice showed promising results, paving the way for future human trials.
A Penn study found that a defect in energy production plays a key role in CKD development. Restoring fatty acid metabolism largely prevented signs of CKD in mouse models. The researchers hope to develop new compounds that boost enzymes related to fatty acid metabolism to slow CKD progression.
Researchers create cellPACK software to explore viruses, bacteria, and human components in 3D, demonstrating its power by modeling HIV structure. The tool solves the challenge of visualizing mid-size structures, reducing model creation time from weeks to hours.
A new UK study published in BJPsych found that women with mental illness are significantly less likely to undergo mammography screening for breast cancer. This disparity could account for 90 avoidable deaths per year in the UK, highlighting the need for comparable care and education.
Researchers discovered that neurons in the amygdala, responsible for processing fearful experiences, lose their ability to discriminate between safe and dangerous stimuli when an individual exhibits generalized fear. This loss of discrimination leads to a state of hyperarousal and intense anxiety.
A new theoretical equation demonstrates that every million-million tonnes of carbon emitted will generate one degree Celsius of global warming. The research also shows that surface warming is related to total carbon emissions, with little change over time as ocean carbon and heat uptake cancel each other out.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that administering epinephrine to patients in cardiac arrest may increase the likelihood of death or brain damage. The research analyzed hospital records for over 1,500 patients and showed that those who received higher doses of epinephrine had a worse outcome.
Researchers sequenced RNA of 400 pairs of twins to understand genetic and environmental context on gene expression. They found that both genetic and environmental factors contribute significantly to the way a person's genetic composition is expressed and their risk of developing certain diseases.
Tropical Storm Hagupit rapidly developed from a low-pressure area due to warm waters and favorable atmospheric conditions. The storm strengthened into a tropical storm on Dec. 1, with strong thunderstorms and fragmented bands spiraling into its center.
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute have successfully increased the production of methyl ketones in E. coli bacteria by 160-fold, a significant improvement over previous results. The breakthrough could lead to the development of clean and renewable blending agents for diesel fuel.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found no causal link between antibiotics and childhood asthma, contradicting previous studies. The study of half a million children suggests that respiratory infections may increase the risk of asthma, regardless of antibiotic treatment.
High levels of miR-21 in tumor stroma and epithelia are associated with poorer clinical outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer. The study found that changes in the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in determining disease progression.
Research on ozone depletion reveals devastating effects on Southern Hemisphere weather, including increased incidence of floods, droughts, wildfires, and changes to tree growth rates and biodiversity in Antarctic lakes. Ozone hole impacts are also felt through changes in summer rainfall and wind patterns, posing risks to natural ecosys...
A component of the plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis has been shown to inhibit the development of metabolic disorders by stopping the activation of NLRP3, a protein involved in disease process. Isoliquiritigenin attenuates high-fat diet-induced obesity, type 2 diabetes and hepatic steatosis in mice.
A new study challenges the prevailing view of how bowel cancer develops in the large intestine. Cancer Research UK scientists discovered that faulty genes can cause normal cells to behave like immortal stem cells, leading to tumour formation.
A study found that high school football players exhibit measurable brain changes after a single season of play, even without concussion. The researchers discovered areas of decreased fractional anisotropy in the brain's white matter among heavy hitters, suggesting microstructural abnormalities.
Young adults who don't attend college are at high risk for non-medical prescription opioid use and disorder, while college-educated peers are more likely to misuse stimulants. The study analyzed data from 36,781 young adults aged 18-22, revealing a significant gap in substance abuse patterns between college graduates and non-graduates.
Research identifies ASIC1a gene variants associated with panic disorder and respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and feelings of suffocation. The study found that the genes are also linked to amygdala structure and function, raising hopes for new treatments.
Among survivors of the 2011 Utøya Island terrorist attack, most perceived contact with media as a positive experience. However, negative evaluations and regrets about participation were found to be associated with post-traumatic stress reactions.
A new long-term clinical trial found that Lung Volume Reduction Coil treatment is safe over a 3-year period. Half of the patients showed continued improvement in lung function capacity and overall quality of life.
A research team analyzed gyrencephaly index of 100 mammalian brains to identify a threshold value that separates species into two groups: highly folded and less folded. The study found differences in cortical folding did not evolve linearly across species, with life-history traits influencing brain development.
Climate change has buffered against measures to protect the Baltic Sea, despite efforts to reduce eutrophication. The Boknis Eck time series station data shows that nutrient concentrations have decreased since the 1980s, but oxygen levels remain low due to rising seawater temperatures.
Umberto Bottazzini, a professor at the University of Milan, received the 2015 AMS Whiteman Prize for his works on modern mathematics in Italy and complex analysis. His publications have greatly advanced understanding of the development of modern mathematics.
The new gear reducer uses magnetism to transform speed, eliminating wear and lubrication needs. It can work in cryogenic temperatures and has applications in outer space, robotics, and various industries where conventional reducers are used.
A study found that falls from furniture by young children result in single injuries most commonly to the head, cuts, or fractures. The majority of cases (60%) were seen but did not require treatment, while parents of fallen children were less likely to use safety gates and teach climbing rules.
A recent study found that nearly 55 percent of US infants sleep with potentially unsafe bedding, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 caregivers and reported a decline in safe sleep practices despite awareness campaigns.
Cilia play a crucial role in human health, with ciliopathies affecting multiple tissue types. Research using model species like Chlamydomonas and mice may uncover new insights into these complex cell organelles.
A new model proposes that iron carbide could explain the anomalously slow S waves, thus eliminating the need to invoke partial melting. This would imply that as much as two-thirds of the planet's carbon is hidden in its center sphere.
A new computer system developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has equaled or bested human scientists in extracting data from scientific publications and placing it in a database. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the quest to rapidly and precisely summarize, collate, and index vast amounts of scientific output.