A national poll shows that only 35% of respondents would seek aggressive preventive treatment if they had a family history of cancer and genetic testing indicated a predisposition to cancer. Despite current laws prohibiting discrimination, concerns about employment and insurability remain a major barrier to genetic testing.
The Optical Society (OSA) has announced the launch of a new open-access journal, Optica, which will publish original research articles and letters in all areas of optics and photonics. The first issue is set to be published in July, with a renowned editorial board led by professor Alex Gaeta.
Researchers have developed electronically controlled drugs that can minimize side effects by releasing medication in response to specific cues. These tailored approaches could be useful in treating conditions such as epilepsy, where medication could be released at the onset of a seizure.
A study found that female mice prefer songs from males of different families, suggesting an innate preference for avoiding close relatives. This preference is influenced by the female's reproductive cycle and scent-based cues from the male.
Researchers found that children's brains are less prone to creating false memories due to a less efficient semantic process. Adults, however, are more likely to generate false memories as their brain automatizes the process, making it less reliable.
NASA is exploring the potential of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, to create customized spacecraft and instrument components. The agency has launched several formal programs to prototype new tools using this emerging technology.
Scientists discovered that the mass extinction of large mammals after the latest Ice Age was linked to changes in vegetation, particularly the loss of protein-rich forbs. This finding provides a new understanding of the role of climate change in shaping ecosystems during the Ice Age.
Scientists analyzed bryozoan species before and after a mass extinction event, finding no significant change in body length. Maximum colony size declined in three out of four surviving types, suggesting the Lilliput effect may not be universal across organisms.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that women are drawn to men with wider faces, which is associated with increased dominance. The researchers studied speed-dating events and found that women were more likely to choose men with higher facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) for short-term relationships.
A Weizmann Institute of Science study reveals that daily fluctuations in triglycerides in the liver are driven by internal 'body clocks' and timing of meals. Researchers found that restricting nighttime feeding led to a 50% decrease in liver TAG levels, suggesting that meal times can affect lipid accumulation.
Numerical simulations charting the universe's forces in its first hundreds of millions of years reveal subtle effects governing galaxy evolution, including incomplete mixing and chaotic supernova ejections. The findings shed light on metal formation and distribution in the earliest galaxies.
A new study using social media and Foursquare tracked the movements of fashion workers in the New York metropolitan area, showing the Garment District's importance in the industry. The study found that 77% of fashion designers' trips were within the district, highlighting its role in product production.
A recent Penn Medicine study reveals that patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome may be receiving unnecessary priority on the liver transplant wait list. The study found that these patients often have poor post-transplant survival rates and that a significant proportion of them do not meet clear clinical indications for transplantation.
Neuroscientists discovered that minimizing vision for a week can enhance the brain's processing of sound. This finding may help those experiencing hearing loss regain more use of their sense. The study suggests that certain neural connections in the brain can be reactivated to support lagging senses.
Pharmacies sell cigarettes despite being a leading cause of preventable death; CVS Caremark's decision aims to reduce smoking prevalence through eliminating tobacco product sales. The move aligns with efforts to strengthen the role of pharmacies in promoting health and could spark other retailers to follow suit.
A safe and effective HIV vaccine is necessary to control and potentially end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Recent scientific advances offer promising areas for further exploration, including the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies and improved understanding of T-cell responses.
The University of Liverpool has launched an Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces to design and develop new anti-infective materials. The hub aims to combat the spread of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in various sectors, including healthcare and food processing.
Concord found between professional groups on which questions are most important for natural resource management. The most critical questions relate to the quantity and quality of surface and groundwater necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience.
French scientists studied soft adhesive materials' inner structure and response to traction during the debonding process. Their findings aim to improve models of adhesive performance by understanding energy dissipation and material deformation.
Climate researchers at the University of East Anglia have made world temperature records available via Google Earth, allowing users to zoom in on 6,000 weather stations and view monthly, seasonal, and annual temperature data. The dataset combines records from 150 years ago, providing valuable insights into climate change.
Researchers found that patients who received their CVD risk expressed as 'Heart Age' demonstrated significant decreases in risk scores and were more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles. This study supports the effectiveness of the Heart Age tool in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers have pinpointed areas of the brain that act as an 'arbitrator' between habitual and goal-directed systems. This mechanism ensures optimal control over behavior by weighing the reliability of predictions from each system.
Rural primary care physicians report limited access to mental health services and societal stigma affecting rural women's care. Despite these challenges, many doctors are developing informal networks for consultation and seeking creative solutions to improve care.
A randomized, controlled trial shows that injecting anesthetic near a nerve bundle in the neck significantly reduces moderate to severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The treatment cut the number of hot flashes in half and reduced their intensity by 38% compared to a sham injection.
A study reveals that average US job tenure has been surprisingly stable over time, but there are divergent trends among men and women. Married mothers experienced a significant increase in job tenure due to changes in labor market expectations and workplace accommodations.
Research suggests lead exposure, once widespread in US gas and paint, may be key factor behind decline in violent crimes. The study found a significant decrease in homicide rate after the ban of lead from gasoline and paint.
A WCS-led satellite tracking study found humpback whales share breeding waters with offshore oil rigs, major shipping routes, and toxicants off the coast of western Africa. The researchers identified new parts of the whales' breeding range and migratory routes to sub-Antarctic feeding grounds.
Chinese surgeons develop 'monoblock' flaps to reconstruct severe facial defects using a prefabrication/overexpansion technique. This approach enables the creation of large skin flaps suitable for full-face resurfacing, improving facial contour and emotional expression.
Researchers examined the successes of connected health initiatives, such as Kaiser Permanente's integration of technology into patient care and the use of mobile phones to manage diabetes. They also found that facilities adopting telemedicine could reduce hospitalizations and costs by $120,000 annually.
A study reveals that long-term declines in honey bee colonies are attributed to economic and political pressures, as well as pests, pathogens, and poor management practices. The research also highlights the importance of standardized data collection and further research into the impact of agricultural intensification on this species.
Researchers have developed advanced prosthetic and orthotic devices that allow users to participate in a wider range of daily activities, exercise, and sports. The new technologies include adjustable ankle units for sub-freezing temperatures and multifunction prostheses for adventure-type activities.
Researchers found that tree roots in mountainous ecosystems can regulate carbon dioxide levels by breaking down rock into component parts. This process, called weathering, draws carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and cools the planet, potentially preventing catastrophic overheating or cooling over millions of years.
Researchers have identified a distinctive profile of cytokine activity associated with certain symptoms of endometriosis, including ovarian and rectovaginal lesions. This signature is negatively correlated with patient fertility and has previously been implicated in the disease.
A large study published in Diabetologia found that higher yogurt consumption was associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that consuming low-fat fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, reduced the relative risk of diabetes by 24% overall.
Dennis Aabo Sorensen, a Danish amputee, regained his sense of touch with a revolutionary bionic hand. The prosthetic hand was surgically wired to nerves in his upper arm, allowing him to feel objects intuitively and identify textures.
Researchers discovered a widespread longevity mutation in fruit flies, found in 17 of 22 lines gathered from around the globe. The mutation, called Hoppel, was linked to increased life span and reproductive fitness in heterozygous flies.
Converting natural land to cropland decreases global vegetation growth, with the largest reductions in former tropical forests and savannas. The study's findings have important implications for terrestrial carbon storage, suggesting strategies should be avoided to prevent severe degradation of vegetation growth.
A new study has developed a scaffold of carbon nanotubes that allows for the safe growth of human stem cells in the laboratory. This breakthrough technology could pave the way for revolutionary treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes, and heart disease.
Scientists developed a novel method to identify microbes producing large amounts of bio-oil, which can replace crops in fuel production. This technique could speed up the discovery of new biofuel sources, such as Streptomyces bacteria.
Two low-pressure areas, System 94P (Fletcher) and 95S, were detected by NASA's Aqua satellite over Australia. Fletcher remains in the Gulf of Carpentaria with disorganized convection, while System 95S develops near Darwin with heavy rainfall potential.
The article 'Not Hardwired: The Complex Neurobiology of Sex Differences in Violence' describes the complex biological mechanisms in the brain that lead to the development of behaviors. Brain structure, function, and connectivity can differ between men and women, affecting how they respond to stressful or abusive triggers.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that monkeys fed a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids had brains with highly connected and well-organized neural networks. This similarity is remarkable, especially when compared to human brains using the same imaging techniques.
Tropical Cyclone Edilson formed on February 5, threatening several land areas including Rodrigues Island and Mauritius. NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible and infrared data showing a large storm system with heavy rain potential.
A new study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that the prevalence of adult obesity has been slowing, but only slightly, with increases seen in those classified as morbidly obese. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze BMI trends between 2000 and 2012.
A novel study found that adults who reported lower childhood experiences related to healthy eating, physical activity, and social connections were more likely to have a slim adult life. Conversely, those with common unhealthy childhood experiences such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and bullying had higher adult BMIs.
A study by Canadian researchers found a significant association between food shortages and rising TB cases in Zimbabwe, particularly among HIV-positive individuals. The study suggests that adequate food availability is crucial in controlling TB incidence, especially in areas with high HIV prevalence.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that states decriminalizing marijuana saw a dramatic increase in children requiring medical intervention at emergency rooms. High-dose edible products containing tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as a significant contributor to these incidents.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that cosmic heating occurred later than previously believed, allowing astronomers to detect the earliest black holes by searching for radio waves in space. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the universe's origins and the history of cosmic expansion.
Researchers studied peregrine falcons' diving flight using high-speed cameras and wind tunnel models. They found that feathers may pop-up to prevent local flow separation, enabling the birds to reach high speeds while maintaining maneuverability.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that predicts the shelf life of sparkling wines based on storage temperature, which can help wineries and consumers determine when bubbly has gone bad. The study also found that refrigerating sparkling wines almost completely prevents browning.
Researchers found that cognitive therapy reduced psychotic symptoms and improved personal and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia who had stopped taking antipsychotics. The therapy involved reappraising psychotic experiences and modifying unhelpful thought patterns.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Matt Johnson found a small but important link between parent-adolescent relationship quality and intimate relationships 15 years later. Good parent-teen relationships can lead to higher quality romantic relationships, while negative experiences may repeat themselves in current partnerships.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have provided the first 'unambiguous demonstration' of phonon-based lasers by observing coherent phonon transport in superlattices. This breakthrough could lead to new advances in heat transfer applications and the development of phonon lasers.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a graphene 'sandwich' that enables atomic-level imaging of biomolecules in their natural state. This breakthrough improves resolution and minimizes damage to samples, opening up analysis of difficult-to-image biological samples.
Researchers developed an antibody blocking coagulation factor XII, which prevents thrombosis without increasing bleeding risk in clinical settings. This innovation reduces the clotting risk in emergency situations like ECMO treatment and cardiovascular surgery.
Physicists at Jefferson Lab have made a new determination of an intrinsic quark property, setting new limits for energies needed to access physics beyond the Standard Model. The experiment probed mirror symmetry in quarks, revealing a previously isolated component of the weak force.
Researchers at the University of Maryland found that adult mice experienced improved hearing after simulated blindness, which could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus. The study showed that temporary vision loss can rewire the brain's auditory system in adults, allowing for sharper sound discrimination and sensitivity.
A safe and effective HIV vaccine is necessary to control and end the AIDS pandemic, according to a new commentary by NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci. Recent advances in understanding broadly neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses offer promising areas for further exploration.
A new research paper from the University of Notre Dame researchers Holly Goodson and Mark Alber resolves an ongoing debate about the assembly of a subcellular network that plays a critical role in cell function and disease. The study explains how stathmin, a key regulator, works by binding and destabilizing segments of microtubules.
Researchers discovered graphene nanoribbons exhibit exceptional ballistic transport, allowing electrons to flow smoothly along the edges. This property could lead to ultra-fast computing and new types of electronic devices that exploit room temperature conductivity.