A recent study reviews existing research on sports competition and concludes that playing at home can have a significant psychological impact on athletes, with findings including increased testosterone levels and higher cortisol stress hormone levels. However, the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still unclear.
A novel simplified IVF procedure has been shown to achieve similar fertilization and implantation rates as conventional methods, enabling more affordable access to IVF for a larger global population. The study results in 16 successful live births using the new method, with potential to reduce laboratory costs.
A study found that pre-term infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity are at a higher risk of developing non-visual disabilities, including motor impairment and cognitive impairment. These findings may help improve counseling for parents and selecting high-risk infants for long-term follow-up.
A new study explores contributors to excess infant mortality in the US South, finding prematurity and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death as top causes. The research also highlights racial disparities in infant mortality rates, with non-Hispanic black births facing higher mortality rates in certain states.
A study by the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that only 62-65% of adults aged 65+ received pneumococcal or influenza vaccines, highlighting a growing public health concern. The study suggests using Immunization Information Systems to improve vaccination rates and address financial barriers.
A new study supports tele-emergency services in extending emergency care to rural areas. The research found that 95% of respondents felt tele-emergency improved the quality of care at their facility, with benefits including second opinions and adherence to evidence-based protocols.
A study found that susceptibility-weighted imaging can detect small clusters of hypointensity in the brain, indicating acute and chronic injuries from concussion or subconcussive events. The research also identified sex differences in the extent of these changes.
Research suggests that subarctic lakes are sensitive to changes in snowmelt, with many at risk of drying out due to climate change. Additionally, scientists have found that seafloor sites could potentially store centuries' worth of carbon emissions through industrial-scale carbon capture and storage programs.
A team of scientists designed a microchip coated with blood vessel cells to study nanoparticle accumulation in atherosclerotic arteries. The device demonstrated the ability to screen and optimize nanoparticles' design, correlating well with animal model results.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a gum-like lithium battery electrolyte that works as well as liquid electrolytes but doesn't create a fire hazard. The new material, which is a hybrid of liquid and solid, contains liquid electrolyte material suspended in solid particles of wax or a similar material.
A global decline in killer whale numbers occurred approximately 40,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, with a bottleneck and loss of genetic diversity. The South African population remained genetically diverse, suggesting it escaped the bottleneck due to a stable Bengeula upwelling system.
Researchers found that 6-month-old infants later diagnosed with autism diverted their gaze from facial features when a face was speaking. This suggests that these infants had difficulty maintaining attention to relevant social information from an early age, which could impact their social development and communication skills.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that people seriously injured by violence have a similar mortality rate to those injured in accidents, with no significant difference in death rates over seven to nine years. The study suggests that trauma care is effective in extending the lives of severely injured patients regardless of cause.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV-positive men are more likely to engage in safer sex practices when their moods improve, compared to weeks with worsening moods. Depression was linked to an increased risk of unprotected sex.
A Chinese woman died from a new bird flu virus H10N8 after visiting a live poultry market, with the virus showing genetic characteristics allowing it to replicate efficiently in humans. The H10N8 strain has been previously isolated but never reported in humans before.
A recent study reveals the unique way honeybees process information from both front tarsi to decide whether to feed, highlighting the importance of their sense of taste in finding nectar and pollen. The sensitivity of their claws and tarsomeres plays a crucial role in detecting sweet and salty substances.
A new study reveals that high levels of glucose in diabetes patients induce the production of PGC-1alpha in endothelial cells, preventing them from growing properly. This leads to vascular dysfunction and impaired wound healing, increasing the risk of microvascular complications.
Regulatory efforts aimed at e-cigarettes have been misguided, leading to unintended consequences for public health. Experts propose evidence-based guidelines that prioritize good manufacturing practices, child-proof caps, and clear labeling, while acknowledging the availability of existing EU legislation to address safety issues.
A new photon-counting technique improves cancer detection rates in digital mammography screening, particularly for ductal carcinoma in situ. The method reduces scattered radiation and noise, enabling lower doses and improved outcomes.
A new study of 49,000 high school seniors found that most spend their earnings on clothes, music, and entertainment, with males spending more on cars. Despite this, college savers tend to have better grades and lower substance use, but still face negative effects from long working hours.
Researchers analyzed killer whale genomic data and found that populations declined during the last Ice Age due to a bottleneck effect, leading to low genetic diversity except in southern Africa's refuge population.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure left atrial wall fibrosis using delayed enhancement MRI, which is associated with increased risk of recurrent rhythm disorder after treatment. The study suggests that this measure may help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from ablation therapy.
Lorena Moscardelli presents a terrestrial, deep-water analogy to support the existence of an ancient Martian ocean. She documents boulder-size rocks on Mars' northern plains that are similar to blocks transported by subaqueous mass-transport events in Earth's deep water environments.
A new model developed by Bruno Ribeiro at Carnegie Mellon University assesses the viability of membership-based websites and social networks. The model successfully predicted the sustainability of six years' worth of user statistics for 22 membership-based websites, separating self-sustaining from unsustainable sites.
A new drug treatment has been found to be effective against chronic pain caused by nerve damage, including post-herpetic neuralgia. Fifty-eight per cent of participants taking the drug found it effective, reducing pain by at least 30 per cent.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered a direct link between urbanization and increased parasitic infections in wild house finches. The study found that birds from more urbanized areas were heavier and more infected by internal parasites, which disrupt the animal's ability to get nutrients.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a novel sensor system that can monitor airborne contaminants and automatically adjust ventilation levels to maintain high-quality indoor air. The system has the potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and minimize health hazards associated with poor air quality.
A genetic mutation affecting a horse's gait has been found to be spread across the world, with highest frequency in Latin American breeds like the Paso Fino. The 'gait keeper' mutation, influenced by human selection, provides a smooth ride and minimal vertical movement.
Research found that shivering releases irisin, a hormone that stimulates calorie-burning brown fat and improves metabolism. This mechanism is similar to exercise-stimulated secretion of irisin, suggesting potential benefits for treating or preventing obesity.
The new cholesterol guidelines suggest that caregivers prescribe statins to healthy patients if their 10-year cardiovascular risk is 7.5 percent or higher. A decision-making tool can help patients and clinicians weigh the benefits and harms of treatment, making a personalized choice based on individual values and context.
New dynamic polymer created with commercially available ingredients shows promise for healing cracks and breaking down, with potential applications in coatings and paints. The breakthrough enables mass production of self-healing materials at low cost and without catalysts.
A study found that telemedicine can reduce hospitalizations for nursing home residents by 5.3-9.7%, saving Medicare millions of dollars per year. The key to successful implementation lies in engagement, as simply making telemedicine available does not guarantee its use.
Tropical Storm Edna has developed in the South Pacific Ocean east of Queensland, while System 94P/Fletcher continues to have a medium chance for development. NASA's Aqua satellite captured both storms in one infrared image, showing convection and thunderstorm development beginning to erode System 94P's center over land.
Research by Robert Boessenecker uncovers a record of 21 marine mammal species from the San Francisco Bay Area's Purisima Formation, dating back 5-2.5 million years. A new species of fossil whale, Balaenoptera bertae, is discovered, closely related to minke and fin whales.
A new study suggests that shivering and bouts of moderate exercise can convert energy-storing 'white fat' into energy-burning 'brown fat'. This process could protect against diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. The conversion is triggered by the hormones irisin and FGF21, which are stimulated by cold exposure and muscle activity.
Researchers developed a lightweight detection system using the hidden semi-Markov model to identify malware-infected computers. The approach can model normal behavior and highlight deviations caused by malware, making it easier to detect botnets in real-time.
A Michigan State University study found that obese men are more likely to have colorectal polyps, precancerous growths linked to colon cancer. The research showed a significant association between elevated leptin levels, higher body mass index, and larger waistlines with an increased risk of having these polyps.
A recent brain scan study suggests that individuals engage in risky behaviors due to inadequate self-control, rather than excessive desire. The research used a video game to simulate risk-taking and found that the software accurately predicted choices 71% of the time.
A GW researcher has found a connection between the pathogenesis of prion disease and HIV, discovering that impairment of cellular cholesterol metabolism is key to their development. The study suggests that stimulation of ABCA1, a cellular cholesterol transporter, could inhibit conversion of prions into a pathogenic form.
Researchers found that rare and common plant species had similar tolerances to widely used herbicides, suggesting a lack of persistent effects on plant communities. The study highlights the need for alternative strategies, such as preserving farmland habitats, in plant conservation efforts.
A large national study found that elevated blood pressure as young as age 18 is a warning sign of cardiovascular disease developing later in life. The study identified distinct blood pressure patterns from ages 18 to 55 that reveal people at high risk for calcification of coronary arteries, a marker for heart disease.
Researchers have developed a graphene water balloon to visualize hydrated protein molecules without freezing or slicing them. This technique allows for the capture of high-resolution images of ferritin, a protein critical for human health, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery found that helicopter transport significantly improves survival rates for trauma patients with severe injuries, reducing mortality rates compared to ground ambulance transport. The researchers attributed this improved outcome to advanced monitoring and equipment available in air ambu...
A new assessment tool published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine provides a framework for effective hospital medicine groups. The tool outlines 47 characteristics organized under ten principles, aiming to improve patient care and hospital operations across the US.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing a new method of studying breast cancer cells by building 3D structures that mimic the complex behavior of cancer cells in human tissue. The 3D structures allow for the testing of various treatments and can be customized to represent different stages of cancer.
The Sochi Winter Olympics are expected to be the first 'fully mobile' Olympics due to increased web and mobile viewing. However, traditional TV viewing is enhanced by social media usage, according to a new study. The Olympics attract diverse audiences and offer a unique experience that balances sports and social aspects.
An expert argues that allowing patients to choose the ethnicity of their attending doctors perpetuates institutional racism in hospitals. Dr Nadeem Moghal suggests that confronting racists and strengthening institution policies are key to preventing such incidents.
Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have found that inhomogeneously charged particles can form gel-like or crystal-like structures depending on parameters. The study's results show different possible configurations, including simple hexagonal structures and less ordered gel-like structures with interconnected rings.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a molecular pathway that enables cancer cells to grow in low-oxygen environments. By targeting this pathway, therapeutic strategies may be developed to inhibit tumor growth with minimal side effects.
A recent study found that nearly three-fourths of common medicines contain animal derived products, including lactose, gelatine, and magnesium stearate. The authors call for improved labelling to inform doctors, pharmacists, and patients about the content of medicines.
The study emphasizes the need for scientists to develop teamwork and communication skills, beyond just scientific knowledge. Graduate programs can play a crucial role in teaching collaboration through seminars, workshops, or courses.
Psychologists at the University of Jena discovered that attractive faces without distinctive features are less memorable. In a study published in Neuropsychologia, researchers found that test subjects were more likely to remember unattractive faces than attractive ones when the latter lacked notable traits.
The MAVEN spacecraft has completed its initial checkout and is now ready to carry out its full science mission. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission aims to determine the role of gas escape in changing Mars' climate throughout its history.
A study of 230 bipolar I disorder patients found that nearly a third were taking four or more psychiatric medications, with an average of six different drugs. Women were significantly more likely to experience complex polypharmacy, taking 68% of these high medication burden cases.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark engineer controlled assemblies of artificial vesicles, resembling natural tissues in architecture and functionality. The new systems have potential applications in personalized medicine, studying cells, and as small bioreactors.
Gregg Semenza discovered the oxygen-sensing gene HIF-1alpha, a master regulator of cellular response to low oxygen levels. His work has led to translational studies enhancing oxygen and blood flow in conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A large cohort study found that time spent with oxygen saturation below 90%, sleep time, number of awakenings, and periodic leg movements are associated with cardiovascular disease. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict CVD risk based on sleep study scores, but it requires validation.
A study found that patients with high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in their blood had poor response to treatment with immunotherapy ipilimumab. Combining immunotherapy with VEGF inhibitors may be a potential option for these patients.
Fossilized jawbones and teeth from northern Egypt confirm the existence of a primitive lineage of bats, which eventually spread to South America. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of sucker-footed bats, which roost head-up using wet adhesion.
African American youth experiencing frequent discrimination during adolescence are at risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Emotional support from parents and peers can protect against stress-related damage.