A major pregnancy study has shown that providing healthy eating and exercise advice to overweight pregnant women can significantly reduce the number of babies born over 4kg. The LIMIT Study, which involved over 2200 women, found an 18% reduction in high birth weight babies.
Heinrich Jaeger will present a lecture on the cyclical nature of his research, which spans from basic science to technological applications and back again. The study of granular materials has led to new insights into jamming, a property that describes the transition from liquid- to solid-like behavior.
The Review finds that the number of recognized chemical causes of neurodevelopmental disorders has doubled, and the list of unregulated chemicals has expanded. Stringent controls could generate billions in savings and improve childhood health outcomes.
The study of crab diversity has led to a new dataset with DNA and mitochondrial sequences from 140 species and 58 families. Freshwater crabs have two independent origins, separated from marine relatives after Pangaea's break-up.
Research at The University of Manchester found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption in early pregnancy can reduce cell growth in the placenta. Drinking levels equivalent to half or one standard drink did not have a harmful effect, but reduced taurine transport from mother to baby was observed.
A professor at Georgia Institute of Technology has developed software to help health officials respond to pandemics by combining biological and demographic data. The system uses social media and real-time information to inform decision-making, allocating medical resources and personnel effectively.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health identifies toxic chemicals as a major contributor to neurodevelopmental disabilities among children. The researchers propose mandatory testing and international regulation to control the use of these substances.
Anthropologist Nina Jablonski warns of the dangers of using genomic knowledge to separate people based on genetic endowment or physical features, as it can lead to a new form of 'separate but equal.' She advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers human genetic admixture and individual variability.
The study reveals that enzymes involved in breaking down fatty acids evolved independently in both plants and animals, mirroring each other's development. This finding suggests that both groups faced similar challenges when dealing with ingested fatty acids from plants.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found a correlation between northern latitude and higher levels of obesity-linked bacteria in the gut. The analysis of over 1,000 people from around the world revealed that those living in colder regions had more Firmicutes and less Bacteroidetes in their gut microbiomes.
High-quality early childhood education for disadvantaged children can significantly improve cognitive and non-cognitive skills, leading to better academic performance and future success. Strong programs can help bridge the gap between skilled and unskilled individuals, ultimately reducing inequality and boosting productivity in society.
A large-scale survey of South African healthcare workers reveals major gaps in workplace protection against tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of contracting these diseases due to lack of screening, vaccination, and proper hygiene practices.
Researchers discover that the habenula, a brain structure, acts as a switchboard for sensory information, regulating behavior in response to external stimuli. Spontaneous neural activity plays a key role in this process.
Dr. Holmes will discuss her work with improvscience, which aims to increase collaboration among scientists through improvisation and leadership skills development. The initiative has been recognized by Nature and is featured in an upcoming AAAS panel discussion.
A study by Penn Medicine found that topiramate significantly reduced heavy drinking days among patients seeking to curb their alcohol consumption. The medication showed promise as a treatment option for problem drinkers, particularly those with a specific genetic makeup linked to its efficacy.
Cancer doctors can cut costs without risk to patients by improving end-of-life care, reducing unnecessary medical imaging, and negotiating lower prices for new cancer drugs. These changes can save billions of dollars in healthcare spending while maintaining quality of life.
New research found that merely thinking about money reduces parental meaning, especially in women. Parents experience more joy when they meet their social roles and fulfill basic human needs. A new model categorizes parents into different happiness types based on factors like age, gender, and marital status.
Researchers have successfully imaged a single layer of proteins using exceptionally bright and fast X-rays, significantly broadening the number and type of proteins that can be studied. This new method, based on XFEL technology, opens up possibilities for understanding protein structures and their role in disease and toxicity.
Researchers discovered a new gene called RCO that inhibits cell proliferation and growth between leaflets, allowing dissected leaves to form. The loss of this gene in Arabidopsis thaliana results in simple, entire leaves.
A study of 65 participants with intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke and 65 healthy individuals found that those with depleted vitamin C levels had a higher risk of stroke. The study suggests that maintaining normal vitamin C levels may help reduce stroke risk.
Climate change poses an existential threat to Arctic wildlife and ecosystems, with unique species at risk of extinction. The Arctic is home to over 21,000 species, many of which are highly adapted to the harsh environment.
Despite a lack of basic scientific knowledge, most Americans have a positive view of science and scientists. The survey found that over 90% of respondents believe scientists are dedicated to humanity's good, and nearly all think the benefits of science outweigh potential dangers.
Researchers used NASA's IBEX data to build a computer model of the interplanetary magnetic field, revealing a non-uniform distribution of cosmic ray particles. The findings shed light on why more high-energy cosmic rays are measured coming from one side of the sun than the other.
A new geographical password system has been proposed to provide secure online access, using a user's memorable location as the password. The system has proven itself capable of protecting against known password threats, offering a potential solution to reduce data breaches by up to 76%.
Druckman and co-authors theorize that politicization generates anxiety, leading to a status quo bias among citizens. This results in obstacles for new scientific innovations entering the marketplace. The findings will be presented at an AAAS symposium titled 'Using Social Science to Change Decisions and Improve Health Outcomes'.
A new study reveals that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and OSA risk is a significant predictor of fatigue severity. OSA may contribute to the debilitating fatigue experienced by MS patients, and clinicians should evaluate for underlying sleep disturbances.
A new study found that despite improved cancer treatments, survival rates for Blacks and Hispanics have not increased significantly. The disparity is largely attributed to factors such as poorer health and lower socioeconomic status, leading to barriers in healthcare access.
Researchers have successfully produced artificial graphene from traditional semiconductor materials, opening up new possibilities for high-performance photovoltaic cells, lasers, LED lighting, and more. The discovery was made by a team of scientists at the University of Luxembourg and published in Physical Review X.
A mathematical model simulates and optimizes donor kidney distribution to ease regional inequities and potentially save hundreds of lives. The model identifies areas for policy changes, including sharing within states and transplanting lower-quality kidneys.
Researchers found that neighbor plants affect the quality and taste of individual plants for insects. This impacts insects' ability to control pest species like ragwort, which can be toxic to horses.
A recent study found that EGFR mutations are prevalent among the Asian population, with a frequency of 51.4% in stage IIIB or IV adenocarcinomas of the lung. The mutation was more common among women and never-smokers than previously reported.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in communities with high levels of anti-gay prejudice have a shorter life expectancy of 12 years on average. The researchers discovered that these individuals are also at higher risk for suicide, homicide, and cardiovascular diseases.
A University of Michigan study finds 56% of MS patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, despite only 21% having an established diagnosis. The researchers suggest that treating sleep apnea may help alleviate fatigue in MS patients.
A Baylor University study found that online games like iCivics significantly improved civics knowledge scores among primary and middle school students. The study showed the most significant gains in younger students, with grades 5 and 8 students scoring nearly five points higher on civics tests.
Researchers evaluated county-level energy and GHG intensity of grain corn, stover, and cob production in Ontario from 2006-2011. The study identified opportunities for efficiency improvements through field-drying corn hybrids, reduced tillage, and diminished nitrogen inputs to reduce GHG emissions.
UCLA researchers analyzed dozens of studies to find that ovulating women prefer mates with sexy traits like masculine body type and facial features, dominant behavior, and certain scents. These preferences shift as the woman's cycle progresses and are thought to have been markers of high genetic quality in male ancestors.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Tannerella BU063, a bacterium found in healthy human mouths. The study reveals potential targets for treating gum disease periodontitis and sheds light on the genetic differences between this bacterium and its disease-causing relative.
Researchers found that a single session of attention modification training decreased overeating in obese children by training their brains to ignore food cues. The study used implicit training methods to distract the children's attention away from food words.
The cumulative success rate for new agents in advanced NSCLC is lower than industry estimates, but biomarker- and receptor-targeted therapies substantially increase success rates. Biomarker-targeted therapy shows a 62% cumulative success rate, nearly six times higher than non-biomarker targeted trials.
New antimicrobial approaches kill or prevent microbial growth in foods and beverages, improving safety, quality, and shelf-life. Biobased solutions address global food production challenges.
Research from Karolinska Institutet reveals lower levels of resolution-regulating molecules in Alzheimer's patients' brains and cerebrospinal fluid, correlating with reduced cognitive function. The study suggests stimulating inflammation resolution may prevent neuronal death and improve memory functions.
A novel one-hour intervention that raises awareness of social class shapes the college experience significantly reduces the academic achievement gap between first-generation and continuing-generation students. The difference-education intervention improves first-generation students' psychological adjustment, grade point averages, and c...
Research shows that appearance trumps fact in forming impressions, with studies finding that people judge others' sexual orientation and trustworthiness based on how they look. In contrast, online impressions are often more negative than those formed in person.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel antibody-based therapy to target fibrosis progression. The treatment blocks key enzyme action and may also work for lung, liver, and heart fibrosis.
Children exposed to cigarette smoke at home have lower levels of the enzyme HDAC2, which is required for steroid treatment to exert its beneficial effects. This reduces their ability to respond to asthma treatment, leading to increased symptoms and potentially higher doses of steroids.
Renowned physicist Lawrence Krauss believes science fiction is not a match for reality. He argues that science fiction often fails to capture the complexity of scientific discoveries. Meanwhile, Krauss suggests exploring real-world applications of science fiction concepts, such as warp drive and teleportation, which may be possible in ...
A study by UC Davis researchers found that mothers who receive formula in the hospital are less likely to fully breastfeed their babies in the second month of life. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, suggests that early formula use limits breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of quitting earlier.
A three-year study published in Neuroscience reveals how loud sound damage affects myelin, the protective sheet around cells, and its correlation to auditory signals failing to transmit during hearing loss. Understanding this link can help develop strategies to prevent or alleviate deafness or tinnitus symptoms.
A new study shows that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) can significantly reduce health care utilization and costs, with improvements seen in 86% of patients after just three sessions. The treatment resulted in an average cost savings of over $200 per patient in the six months following treatment.
Recent research highlights the critical role of gut flora in diabetes and obesity, with studies suggesting a strong connection between the two. The CommHERE consortium, comprising nine European institutions, has brought together leading experts to discuss their findings on the impact of gut microbiota on metabolic diseases.
A multicenter study found a mobile compression device to be as effective as blood thinners in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after lower extremity joint replacement surgery. The device improved blood flow and had no negative side effects, making it an equally safe alternative to blood thinners.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a key role for astrocytes and specific proteins in supporting neurons during protein misfolding brain diseases. The study found that certain proteins increase in response to misfolded proteins, potentially providing protection against neuronal death.
Carbon nanotube-based fibers have been shown to carry electrical current up to four times that of copper wires of the same mass. The fibers' ability to transmit current makes them ideal for lightweight power transmission in aerospace applications, where weight is a significant factor.