A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that contingent match incentives significantly increase donations from non-profit organizations. Donors are more likely to upgrade to recurring donations when they believe their donation will be matched if at least 75% of donors agree.
Research from Nepal's Chitwan National Park found that leopards avoid tigers by seeking different locations to live and hunt, while shifting their activity patterns to nighttime. The study highlights the complexity of human-wildlife interactions and the need for conservation efforts to account for these dynamics.
Researchers discovered a possible genetic link between brain inflammation and oxidative stress in children with leukemia treated for cancer. Variants in four genes related to these processes were significantly associated with neurocognitive effects, raising hope for potential interventions to reduce long-term cognitive late effects.
A new clinical trial demonstrates that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves motor learning and retention in hemiparetic stroke patients. The study used functional MRI to record cerebral activity, showing a significant improvement in motor performance after real tDCS stimulation.
Scientists have developed a new light-based tool to monitor and improve swimming technique and aid in muscle recovery. The technology uses near-infrared spectroscopy to measure muscle oxygenation underwater, providing valuable feedback for swimmers and helping track rehabilitation progress.
A Kansas State University research project developed a simulation model to assess the impact of vaccination strategies and livestock herd types on foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. The study found that effective control methods can be implemented while minimizing harm to the livestock industry.
A new report from NYU and the University of Michigan examines how teachers are using digital games to assess student learning and provide ongoing feedback. Key findings include that over half of teachers use digital games weekly or more often, with elementary school teachers being most likely to do so.
Researchers found that higher-earning clinicians earn more by providing more services per patient, rather than seeing more patients. This challenges the current fee-for-service payment model, which may not incentivize clinicians to prioritize quality of care.
A new study finds that climate change may tip the scales in favor of invasive wetland plants, which can outcompete native species due to their natural phenotypic plasticity. As environmental changes occur, invasive species will gain an advantage over native species, potentially reducing biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Researchers developed a blood test that detects changes in zinc isotopic composition to identify biomarkers of early breast cancer. A pilot study showed promising results, with the ability to detect key differences in zinc caused by cancer.
While some argue that a 48-hour working week has led to negative effects on medical training, others find no evidence to support these claims. Several reviews conclude that high-quality training can be delivered within this time frame, and trainees are increasingly satisfied with their training.
Researchers from Mainz and Würzburg have developed new active substances for treating the dengue virus, showing a high effectiveness rate even at low concentrations. The new inhibitors target only dengue viruses without affecting similar Hepatitis C viruses.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a genetic variation in the ERAP1 enzyme that increases an individual's susceptibility to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Genetic testing for this variation may enable earlier diagnosis and improved management of the condition.
Delayed cancer diagnoses are often caused by limitations in scientific knowledge and the delivery of healthcare, not poor professional performance. Despite this, policy initiatives focusing on GP referral times may be ineffective. Researchers advocate for better information about diagnostic challenges to improve diagnosis and care.
ANG4043 shows therapeutic brain concentrations in healthy mice and in mice bearing intracranial HER2+ tumors, increasing median survival time by 78% in a HER2+ intracranial tumor model. This technology has the potential to create brain-penetrant mAbs for treating neurological diseases.
A new Northwestern University study found that implementing duty hour restrictions in 2011 did not improve surgery patients' outcomes, but may have hurt patient safety and resident education. The study suggests that these restrictions disrupted the continuity of caring for surgical patients.
A computer system was found to be more effective than doctors in collecting and translating accurate patient data, resulting in more complete and organized reports. The technology has the potential to enhance medical care quality and improve outcomes by harnessing thorough patient information.
A new study by UC Irvine neurobiologists suggests that multiple, short learning sessions can strengthen memory formation in fragile X syndrome. Trained using this method, fragile X model mice performed as well on memory tests as normal mice.
A recent study found that the number of US medical schools with student-run free clinics (SRFCs) has increased by more than half, with 106 institutions participating in the program. The SRFCs provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations and offer valuable educational opportunities for medical students.
Researchers at Texas Biomed are using new genomic tools to analyze individual malaria parasites, allowing for more effective treatment and vaccine design.
Researchers found that e-cigarettes are less addictive than traditional cigarettes, with higher nicotine concentration and longer use leading to greater dependence. The study suggests that e-cigs may have health advantages over cigarettes due to lower levels of toxic substances.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a potential biomarker for sepsis in patients with major burns. By analyzing the movement of white blood cells called neutrophils, they found that changes in their motility patterns may predict the development of sepsis, which is a leading cause of death among burn patients.
Researchers used electrodes to record single neurons' activity in singing Bengalese finches, finding that precise timing of spikes contains more information than rate. The study's findings could improve prosthetic limb control and provide insights into brain function.
Scientists found that a trace nutrient can cause genome-wide changes to how organisms encode proteins, boosting speed and accuracy. The nutrient's availability determines which codons are optimal for protein production, leading to widespread genetic changes.
A study found that medical residency applicants are linguistically diverse, but their languages do not match those of the US population with limited English proficiency. The most common languages among applicants were Spanish, Hindi, French, Urdu, and Arabic.
The NHS has seen its annual spend on management consultancy double from £313m to £640m between 2010 and 2014. This significant increase in spending raises concerns about the value and impact of such services, with critics arguing that consultants are not accountable for their advice.
Researchers found that nursing home hospice patients have longer stays, are more likely to be women and have dementia, and often receive higher Medicare spending compared to those living in the community. The study also identified a 'crossover' group with significantly longer hospice stays.
A new guide released by the Endocrine Society and IPEN highlights the growing threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to human health. The document provides an overview of EDCs, their impact on human health, and policy recommendations to mitigate these effects.
Shoulder pain affects athletes like baseball pitchers, with various structures contributing to the issue. Nonsurgical options include icing and medication, while arthroscopic surgery can be effective for repairing partial rotator cuff tears.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global found that volunteers can accurately identify individual Andean bears after learning their unique markings. The study's success allows for citizen scientist engagement in species conservation, supporting the zoo's mission to bring endangered species back from extinction.
Researchers have created high-value, compact nanoscale resistors using thin-film chromium oxide, enabling faster development of quantum devices for computing and fundamental physics research. The new resistors can be tuned by controlling oxygen content, making them compatible with quantum phase-slip circuit requirements.
Large-scale underground storage of low-pressure gaseous hydrogen offers several advantages over above-ground storage, including cost savings and increased volume capacity. Geologic storage solutions can service key hydrogen markets by storing large quantities of hydrogen fuel for transportation and grid-scale energy applications.
Researchers analyzed press releases and news stories for exaggerated advice, causal claims, and inference from animal findings. They found that 40% of press releases contained exaggerated advice, while 33% of peer-reviewed journal articles did. Improving academic press releases could reduce misleading health news.
Research reveals that frontal brain systems and structural connections are disrupted in individuals who attempt suicide, leading to weaker connections between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This study provides an important first step in understanding the neurobiology of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
The NASA Operation IceBridge mission has completed its 2014 Antarctic campaign, building on previous studies to understand changes in ice conditions over time. Researchers collected data on sea ice, glaciers, and sub-ice water depth to inform projections of future Antarctic Ice Sheet changes.
A rare 520 million-year-old fossil shaped like a 'squashed bird's nest' has been discovered in China, providing new insights into life in ancient seas. The fossil, Nidelric pugio, is a probable 'chancelloriid', a group of bizarre, balloon-shaped animals with defensive spines.
Johns Hopkins researchers are using Twitter posts to gather important information about common mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. Their techniques have yielded fresh numbers on cases of these illnesses, allowing for analyses that were previously difficult or expensive to obtain.
The NUP/UPNA researchers developed a smart structure based on metamaterials to improve the performance of radar antennae, addressing blind spot mitigation. Their metaradome improves beam direction without modifying the prototype antenna.
Scientists at EMBL have developed a new technique called SNAP-tagging that allows researchers to study nerves in mice with unprecedented detail. This approach uses artificial tags to visualize complex structures and enable the tracking of activity in individual neurons.
A new study found that annoying online ads can lead to a loss of advertising revenue due to user abandonment. The study also discovered that participants were less accurate in remembering content on pages with annoying advertisements.
Research by Indiana University geographer Scott M. Robeson and colleagues finds that temperature anomalies are warming at a faster rate than the overall average temperature, particularly in extreme heat and cold events. These trends have significant impacts on water supplies, agricultural productivity, and human health.
Researchers found an association between physical aggression and language development in toddlers, but the link disappeared after 41 months. Affectionate parenting is associated with low aggression levels and good language development.
Researchers found that potato extract reduced weight gain in mice fed an obesity-inducing diet by 9 grams. The extract's high polyphenol content is responsible for its benefits. This study suggests that potato extracts could be a low-cost solution for preventing both obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Ebola survivors can donate blood, care for sick patients, and generate community-based responses. Employing trained survivors as caregivers could also provide a source of income.
Research participants who reported greater sleepiness had higher amyloid accumulation in cerebral cortex regions heavily affected in Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that sleep disturbance may be an early target for intervention to prevent cognitive deficits.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed nanomimics of host cell membranes that trick malaria parasites. These nanomimics effectively disrupt the parasite's cycle, blocking its invasion of new red blood cells while exposing it to the immune system.
A study found that female great tit birds excel in spatial and learning abilities compared to males. This cognitive superiority may be linked to their lower social standing and increased need for food pilfering, allowing them to supplement their limited food supply.
Scientists have developed a unique combination of light and climate simulation to optimize algae cultivation, leading to higher yields and more efficient energy production. The system uses spectrum-tuned LEDs to simulate natural sunlight, allowing for precise control over the growth conditions of different algae species.
Researchers develop a new approach to customize nuclear medicine treatment for cancer, using targeted alpha therapy with customized radiolabeled antibody cocktails. This method has great potential for treating various diseases, including those with disseminated tumor cells.
Researchers found brown organic carbon and black carbon particles in the Taj Mahal complex, which come from fuel combustion, cooking, and brick-making. The dust may come from local agricultural activities or distant sources, and reducing particulate matter could have health benefits for people in the region.
Penn researchers demonstrate that stiffness and strength scaling remain unchanged across various glassy materials, indicating a constant critical strain before catastrophic failure. This finding provides insight into the fundamental mechanism driving failure in glasses, suggesting cooperative motion of particles or atoms.
A study found that physicians trained in lower-spending regions tend to continue practicing in a less costly manner, while those from high-spending regions spend more, even when relocating. The effect persists for up to 15 years after training, suggesting an imprinting of care-related spending behaviors during residency.
A new case study assesses the immediate and ongoing response to the 9/11 disaster, identifying key elements that impact the health of exposed populations. The study emphasizes the importance of clinical expertise, site safety, attention to vulnerable populations, and developing trust and transparency in public health disaster response.
A new coalition aims to promote balanced dietary guidance, backed by a survey of healthcare professionals who favor balanced information over prescriptive food policies. The Coalition suggests that approach based on balanced, moderate consumption of a wide variety of foods would be the most effective.
Plymouth University has received £1.2 million from HEFCE to invest in teaching facilities for Biomedical and Human Bioscience programs. The funding will enhance STEM education and research capabilities, supporting the university's reputation for world-leading medical science.
A study by researchers at Milken Institute School of Public Health found that physicians trained in high-spending areas tend to practice more expensive medicine, even after completing residency. This can lead to higher healthcare costs for patients and contribute to the rising healthcare expenditure in the US.
A team of researchers, led by Wayne State University's Steven M. Firestine, has been awarded a $3.2 million NIH grant to assess the effectiveness of a new treatment for C. difficile infection. The study aims to prevent the spore germination of the bacterium, which is responsible for the majority of hospital-acquired cases.
A new study by Georgia State University researchers found that a significant percentage of loyal customers have hidden habits that negatively impact sales. These habits include returning products and buying items only when on sale.
Female Drosophila sechellia flies produce fewer eggs than other fruit flies due to a genetic mutation that inhibits dopamine production, but feeding morinda fruits or chemicals from these fruits increases fertility. Dopamine precursor L-DOPA is present in morinda fruits and compensates for the genetic deficiency.
A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has developed an integrated modeling approach to understand the fluid dynamics of fuel injectors in modern engines. The study aims to improve engine design and simulation, reducing trial and error and increasing efficiency.
Computational modeling allows researchers to design efficient and affordable catalysts from gold, reducing the need for large amounts of expensive precious metals. The method has potential impact on energy-and-environment related fields, such as automotive exhaust and hydrogen production.
A new study has shown that a simeprevir-based therapy is as effective as the standard of care in treating chronic Hepatitis C virus infection, with fewer adverse events. The study found that simeprevir was well-tolerated and could be a viable alternative for patients who cannot access or afford newer treatment options.
A recent study from Ohio State University found that people's math skills are not always a single concept. Research suggests that individuals may have varying levels of numeric competency in areas such as objective numeracy, subjective numeracy, and symbolic-number mapping.
Researchers at Purdue University have created the first modern germanium circuit, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device, using germanium as the semiconductor material. The breakthrough enables the industry to make smaller transistors and more compact integrated circuits, potentially replacing silicon in the future.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that brain cells fire more rapidly and synchronously when animals focus on touch stimuli, a step toward understanding how brains process external stimuli. The research also showed that synchronization was more important to performance than firing rate.
Undergraduate Levent Alpoge is awarded the 2015 Morgan Prize for his contributions to number theory, probability, and combinatorics. He has authored seven research papers before even beginning graduate studies.
Researchers discovered that yeast cells can clear themselves of misfolded prion proteins by activating a stress response and producing specific heat-shock proteins. This finding suggests a new approach to treating diseases associated with prion misfolding, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's.
Researchers have discovered that individuals in opioid recovery exhibit signs of re-regulation of their brain's reward system within several weeks of medical-assisted opioid withdrawal. This finding suggests that the natural reward system may return to normal, making it easier for patients to remain drug-free outside treatment.
Researchers developed a 'virtual lab' to study nanocomposites, allowing for prediction of material properties based on chemical composition and processing conditions. The simulations revealed how polymers and clay particles interact, enabling the development of improved composite materials.
A new study published in Genome Research tracked the spread of MRSA in a hospital with high transmission rates using genome sequencing. The team identified multiple distinct clades of MRSA and confirmed numerous transmission events between patients, highlighting the importance of infection control measures such as hand-washing.
Research from the University of Washington suggests that warmer ocean water is melting frozen methane deposits on the seafloor, releasing massive amounts of methane into the environment. The study estimates that up to 4 million metric tons of methane are released annually off the coast of Washington.
A BMJ investigation analyzed 3,494 contracts awarded by Clinical Commissioning Groups in England between 2013 and 2014, showing that non-NHS providers secured 45% of these contracts. NHS providers won 55%, while private sector providers were successful in competitive tender processes and smaller AQP-based contracts.
Researchers used genome sequencing to track MRSA spread in a Thai hospital with high transmission rates, revealing multiple distinct clades and transmission events between patients and staff. The study highlights the need for improved hand hygiene practices and measures of within-host bacterial diversity.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that consistent distraction during learning does not hinder learning, but rather helps recall motor skills. The researchers discovered that dividing attention between tasks during learning can create an internal representation that boosts recall when a similar cue is present.
Researchers found that up to 45% of breast tumors exhibit genetic alterations affecting the CYP2D6 gene, leading to distorted patient genotypes. This has significant implications for tamoxifen therapy, which relies on accurate CYP2D6 testing to guide treatment.
A study by researchers at Washington State University found that corporate social responsibility (CSR) can buffer firms against negative customer reactions following service failures. When CSR aligns with customers' values, it reduces anger and negative word-of-mouth, while increasing positive word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.
Historical records describe the intense Kamikaze typhoons that struck Japan in 1274 and 1281, preventing a Mongol conquest. A new sedimentary reconstruction reveals these storms were more frequent during this time period, supporting their significant role in shaping Japan's geopolitics.
A new study reveals that long-term endurance training affects thousands of DNA methylation sites and genes associated with improved muscle function and health. The research also found epigenetic differences between male and female skeletal muscle, which may lead to gender-specific therapies in the future.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa lacks standardized treatment guidelines, with conflicting reports on mortality rates and treatments. Experts propose a range of measures, including the development of guidelines and international cooperation to ensure quality control and transparency.
Scientists at Disney Research and Université Laval have developed a method to automatically estimate illumination conditions depicted in a collection of photographs. This enables the realistic insertion of 3D objects into images, simplifying photo editing tasks.
A new study in the Journal of International Marketing reveals that subsidiary desire for autonomy is driven by psychology, leading to dysfunctional business relationships. Subsidiaries strive for independence to influence local markets, which can backfire if not managed carefully.
A recent study published in JAMA found that restricting residents' work hours to 16-24 hours per shift had no impact on patient deaths or readmissions. The researchers analyzed nearly 6.4 million Medicare patient hospital admissions between 2009 and 2012, but found no relative changes in mortality rates during this time period.
A study published in JAMA found that the 2011 duty hour reforms had no significant effect on 30-day mortality or readmissions for hospitalized patients with various medical conditions. Despite concerns about decreased continuity of care, the reforms did not appear to worsen patient outcomes.
A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 7 out of 11 popular eye vitamins do not match scientific evidence, with some products containing lower doses of essential ingredients. The study highlights the importance of ophthalmologists educating patients on the proper use of nutritional supplements for AMD treatment.
Researchers at Princeton University found that many abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania leak substantial quantities of methane. The study suggests that these 'super-emitting' wells could be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, potentially accounting for up to 10% of methane from human activities in the state.
Researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology measured high concentrations of organic pollutants emitted during fracking processes in the US, exceeding urban air quality standards by a factor of one thousand. The study found that certain technologies, such as open fracking facilities, release significantly more benzene and oth...
Researchers discover that most typical networks are robust to both random and deliberate attacks, contrary to previous thought. They propose a simple method to explore the mathematical space of all interesting networks with a particular node degree distribution.
Mothers who use mobile devices while eating with their young children have fewer verbal and nonverbal interactions, potentially affecting child health outcomes. This study found that mothers with the most mobile device use had 20% fewer verbal interactions and 39% fewer nonverbal interactions.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that cognitive training can improve the brain performance of middle school students from poverty-stricken backgrounds. The program, called SMART, resulted in a 25% increase in gist reasoning and an 18% improvement in fact retention among students who received the training.
Two researchers at the Max Delbrück Center will use $1.9M and $1.5M ERC Starting Grants to investigate DNA repair mechanisms in B lymphocytes and direct cell reprogramming using C. elegans. The grants aim to advance understanding of immunodeficiencies, cancer predisposition, and tissue regeneration.
A new study has linked Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder to increased tobacco and alcohol use in young teens. Teens with these conditions were more likely to initiate substance use at a younger age, highlighting the importance of early prevention strategies.
A new study suggests that supplementing breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts may not be the most effective approach. Instead, it could lead to an increase in unnecessary biopsies, highlighting the need for alternative methods to screen these high-risk individuals.
A systematic overview of over 100 studies reveals organic agriculture yields are higher than previously estimated, with certain practices further shrinking the productivity gap. Organic farming can be a competitive alternative to industrial agriculture when it comes to food production.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a specialized microscope to study the movement of unfolded proteins in cells. They found that these proteins slow down and interact with chaperones, which can lead to cell dysfunction and disease. The discovery provides insight into protein-misfolding diseases.
Wealthy countries with strong individualism exhibit greater patience for new products, despite waiting times. This affects movie attendance and may slow early product momentum in highly individualistic cultures.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that even within the normal BMI range, excess fat has a negative impact on cardiometabolic risk markers. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to assess the effect of BMI increases on metabolic abnormalities in 12,664 young adults.
A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that smaller brands can increase sales when positioned as direct competitors to larger brands. Consumers may gain pleasure from 'stick[ing] it to the man' and opt for smaller, independent options instead.
A study found that seasonal flu vaccines protect against multiple flu strains, including those not included in vaccine formulations. The researchers also discovered that exposure to birds can elicit immune responses to avian influenza viruses in humans.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by using molecular decoys. By administering fragments of antimicrobial agents alongside the full compounds, the researchers were able to increase their effectiveness against efflux pumps that stand guard along bacterial cell membranes.
A recent study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that the pulsed-KTP laser treatment developed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is as effective as traditional approaches in curing patients' tumors while preserving vocal quality. The treatment has shown a high success rate of 96% among patients wit...
A recent study by NC State University found that online students tend to evaluate male instructors more favorably than female instructors, regardless of the instructor's actual gender. The researchers discovered a significant bias against women, with students who believed they were taught by men receiving higher ratings on various traits.
A study of US emergency departments found that supervised visits involving resident and attending physicians were linked to a greater likelihood of hospital admission and longer ED stays. Supervised visits also resulted in increased use of advanced imaging, whereas blood testing rates were similar.
A study examined general surgery patient outcomes before and after 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty hour reform. The findings show that the reform was not associated with a significant change in death or serious illness, as well as no impact on resident examination performance.
Heavy rainfall amounts of over 450 mm were found in eastern Philippines near where Typhoon Hagupit came ashore. The typhoon's slow movement resulted in frequent flooding along its track.
Yuliya Gorb received a $420,000 NSF CAREER Award for her research on complex composite materials and an after-school program for high school girls. The award aims to promote STEM education and careers in mathematics, science, and engineering.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that severely premature infants (23 weeks gestation) have higher death rates if born male, as multiples or without access to neonatal care. Lower birth weights and lack of steroid exposure before birth also increase disability risk.
A new policy paper by Professor Jim McCambridge argues that the concept of harm reduction has been co-opted by industry interests and proposes a redefinition to include full range of evidence-based measures. This shift aims to protect public health and society from alcohol damage.
A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that cigarette smoking causes about three in ten cancer deaths in the United States. The study concludes that reducing smoking prevalence as rapidly as possible should be a top priority for US public health efforts to prevent future cancer deaths.
A University of Florida study found that vaccinating school-aged children from flu can protect other age groups, including non-school-aged residents, with significant reductions in influenza-like illness rates. This effect is profound, both on students and the community.
James Ingle, a renowned breast cancer expert at Mayo Clinic, has been awarded the 2014 William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture Award for his groundbreaking research on pharmacogenomics in breast cancer treatment. His work aims to develop personalized approaches to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women by identifying genetic biomarkers t...
Researchers found that women with BRCA1/2 mutations and treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy have low risk of cardiac dysfunction. Most participants had normal heart function, with only a few showing borderline reductions in heart function.
Researchers at NREL and SolarCity collaborate with Hawaiian Electric Companies to study distributed solar energy systems, using advanced modeling and inverter testing. The project aims to address operational issues and enable safe, reliable, and cost-effective grid integration of solar power.
Myriad Genetics announced new studies on its myRisk Hereditary Cancer test, detecting 105% more mutations than conventional BRCA testing. The test also showed promising results in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) by predicting response to platinum-based therapy. Additionally, the company's BRACAnalysis molecular diagnostic test sig...
A pilot study found that two-thirds of patients with treatment-resistant clinical depression experienced an improvement in symptoms after receiving nitrous oxide, compared to one-third who improved with a placebo. The researchers are encouraged by the results and plan to replicate the study and test various concentrations of laughing gas.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that early parental writing support is instrumental in improving a child's literacy level, vocabulary, and fine motor skills. The research recommends 'scaffolding' parental mediation to promote correct writing habits among preschoolers.