A new study at the University of Southern California found that a signed commitment letter in exam rooms lowered inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for cold symptoms by nearly 20%. This simple intervention, displayed in both English and Spanish, saved $70 million/year in drug costs alone.
A new study found that causal brain networks involved in fear regulation, imagery, and affect are also used for cognitive processing of religious beliefs. These basic networks evolved to mediate complex beliefs like those contained in religious practice.
The American College of Physicians has published new research on MERS, highlighting the need for better understanding and collaboration to combat its potential as a major public health threat. Guidelines for cholesterol treatment have also been released, sparking debate among physicians, while expert advice is offered on effective scre...
Researchers discovered that kinesin KIF13B concentrates at the cell membrane where LDL is taken up, and promotes endocytosis of LRP1 through caveolae. This unexpected role for a motor protein reveals a new mechanism for regulating blood cholesterol levels.
Researchers have noninvasively mapped human brain activity with unique accuracy, identifying both location and timing of brain processes. The study used a novel brain-scanning technique combining fMRI and MEG data to pinpoint when the brain recognizes objects and categorizes them.
Researchers found significantly higher levels of DDE, a long-lasting metabolite of DDT, in Alzheimer's patients compared to healthy controls. Elevated DDE levels increased the risk of Alzheimer's by a factor of four.
A new study found differences in doctor-patient dialogue about HIV drug adherence depending on patients' race and ethnicity. Black patients experienced significant provider dominance, while Hispanic patients had more extensive dialogues about adherence.
A new statistical model has been developed to isolate ancient DNA from fossils contaminated with modern-day DNA. This method allows for the recovery of complete mitochondrial genomes from Neandertal and anatomically modern human bones, enabling scientists to study these individuals in detail.
A team of researchers has confirmed a long-standing puzzle about the birth of massive stars, showing that dense filamentary structures absorb ultraviolet radiation and shield surrounding gas. The findings provide new insights into how massive stars form and influence their host galaxies.
Research found that women deficient in vitamin D during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy may be at risk of developing severe preeclampsia. Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with a 40% reduction in risk of severe preeclampsia, but not mild preeclampsia.
Researchers have developed new silk-coated diamond particles that can be injected into living cells to provide a novel technique for biological imaging and drug delivery. The silk coating enhances the brightness of the nanodiamonds while preserving their optical properties, making them safe for use in the body.
Researchers have identified a specific protein involved in mediating the skin's response to UVR and found that the signal transduction cascade resembles a light-activated pathway in the eye. This new insight into the molecular pathway underlying UVR detection could lead to improved sun protection methods.
Researchers found that increasing titin's stiffness can be a trigger for pathological changes in skeletal muscles. The team used a mouse model lacking nine titin Ig domains to investigate the effects of increased stiffness, revealing that this can lead to muscle atrophy and contractility changes.
A study by Mass Eye and Ear researchers found significant plasticity in the visual system after extended blindness, leading to improvements in contrast sensitivity tests. The findings suggest that the critical period for vision development may be longer than previously thought.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute have successfully developed a humanized preclinical model for FSHD, mirroring gene expression and biomarker profiles of human tissue. The model enables the study of muscle regeneration over time and prediction of clinical response to therapeutic drugs.
Researchers discovered two devastating pandemics, the plague of Justinian and the Black Death, were caused by distinct strains of the same pathogen. The strain that helped bring an end to the Roman Empire faded out on its own, while the other led to worldwide re-emergence in the late 1800s.
Researchers have developed a natural polysaccharide-based delivery system that enhances the targeting of DNA aptamers to vimentin in tumor cells, leading to increased cell death. The study uses arabinogalactan from the larch tree as a carrier and shows improved efficacy when combined with the aptamer drug.
Researchers found a functional distinction between social groups, which are processed separately from animate and inanimate objects. The study used patients with dementia to demonstrate the double dissociation of these functions.
Temple researchers have shown that identical or compatible blood types between donor and recipient do not affect rejection rates in double-lung transplants. The study confirms excellent post-transplant lung function and comparable mortality rates for compatible donors.
A new method allows for large-scale generation of high-quality human embryonic stem cells from excess IVF embryos, increasing the supply for potential therapies. This breakthrough method enables production of stem cells without destroying embryos, making it a significant step forward for stem cell research.
Researchers found that rare gene variants significantly increased the risk of hospital admission for severe asthma episodes and urgent outpatient visits among patients treated with long-acting beta agonists. Non-Hispanic whites with these variants were more than twice as likely to experience uncontrolled symptoms during LABA therapy.
A new study found that high-status authors receive more attention for their work, with a 12% increase in citations. The effect is more pronounced for recent papers and those published in lower-profile journals. This phenomenon, known as the 'Matthew Effect,' highlights the impact of author reputation on scientific discovery.
A 300,000-year-old hearth discovered in the Qesem Cave provides conclusive evidence of repeated fire building over time, hinting at advanced social structure and intellectual capacity. The find suggests that early humans had a sophisticated understanding of space organization and social order.
Research by Linköping University's Alireza Behtoui reveals that migrant children have less education but equal job prospects to Swedish-born peers when adjusted for parent's education level. The difference in salaries remains, but decreases with factors such as education and family status.
Practicing yoga for three months can significantly reduce fatigue and lower inflammation in breast cancer survivors, according to new research. The study found that women who practiced yoga experienced a 57% reduction in fatigue and up to 20% lower inflammation compared to those who did not practice yoga.
A study of 52 patients with metastatic brain tumors found that early tumor shrinkage after stereotactic radiosurgery indicates a positive outcome, reducing the need for further monitoring. Tumors that did not respond initially were more likely to recur or require additional treatment.
About 20 children per day are hospitalized due to firearm injuries in the US, resulting in 453 deaths annually among those under 20. The most common types of firearm injuries include open wounds, fractures, and internal injuries.
Researchers at Penn State University have identified a critical protein required for the growth of cilia on cell surfaces. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating diseases related to cilium development, such as polycystic kidney disease, blindness, and neurological disorders.
Research found that drugs used to treat HIV penetrate poorly into lymphatic tissues, allowing persistent low-level virus replication. This replication may contribute to chronic immune activation and accelerated aging in patients.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that non-CpG methylation occurs later and more dynamically in neurons than previously thought, acting as a system of gene regulation. This finding challenges the long-held idea that once genes are silenced by methylation, they remain so forever.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) has awarded approximately $15.5 million in grants to 42 young researchers from across the US, fostering basic research and early career development. The recipients will conduct projects in areas including dynamical systems, quantum processes, and complex materials.
Tufts Medical Center has been awarded a PCORI funding award to develop a method for patient-centered enrollment in comparative effectiveness trials. The project, led by Dr. Harry P. Selker, will use data from electronic health records to identify patients who may benefit from clinical trials.
Scientists describe 10 new Temnothorax ant species in California, doubling the genus' count, and link them to the AntWeb database with unique identifiers. This allows for easy harvesting of specimen data by other online resources.
Researchers found elevated levels of translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in patients with myocarditis and mice, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for heart inflammation. TSPO's role in driving disease progression and prognosis is also being explored.
Researchers uncover that two devastating plagues were caused by distinct strains of the same pathogen, which may lead to a better understanding of modern infectious disease dynamics. The study also raises questions about why a highly deadly pathogen died out and could potentially inform responses to future pandemics.
A study involving 186 Type II diabetes patients found that health coaching significantly improved oral health by reducing biological markers for periodontitis by 50% and long-range blood sugar levels. The coaching group also showed increased self-efficacy in handling illness and health issues.
Researchers have discovered a new bacteriophage that infects the bacterium causing anthrax, offering potential solutions for detection and treatment. The phage, named Bacillus phage Tsamsa, is unusually large and can target not only anthrax but also closely related bacteria.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found an association between acute, severe spatial neglect post-stroke and long-term recovery of mobility. The study suggests early detection and intervention of spatial neglect may be necessary to achieve better return of mobility.
Research reveals that Bermuda bluebirds have distinct physiological differences compared to their continental counterparts, with lighter weights and longer wings. The study also found that island nestlings grow slower and face higher mortality rates than their mainland peers.
Researchers at the University of Warsaw have created two new types of solotronic structures containing single cobalt and manganese ions, exhibiting powerful magnetic properties. These findings open up a broad field for developing electronic devices operating on a single-atom level.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a framework to understand the interplay of superconductivity and inhomogeneity. The work reveals that strong superconductivity comes from highly doped regions in the crystal where dopants are clustered, potentially leading to higher performance superconductors.
A new study found that postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis. The risk was higher among women who used systemic therapy and those who had used HRT for more than 10 years.
Scientists have created a boron-based material called borophene, which could be stronger and more conductive than graphene. The material is formed from a triangular lattice structure with hexagonal vacancies, similar to the theoretical predictions made earlier.
Deep-sea fault zones in subduction zones can transport large amounts of water from the Earth's oceans to the upper mantle. Researchers estimate that these zones could carry up to three and a half times the total amount of ocean water to the mantle.
A University of Montreal study analyzed 10,000 dream narratives to compare nightmares and bad dreams, finding that nightmares have greater emotional impact than bad dreams and often feature themes such as fear, sadness, guilt, or disgust. The researchers also found that women's nightmares more frequently involve interpersonal conflicts.
Clemson professor Roger Stolen was selected to present at a special session titled "Pioneers of Fiber Optics" at SPIE Photonics WEST 2014. He is being honored for his pioneering work in nonlinear fiber optics, which has played an important role in modern high-capacity optical communication systems.
A study by Loyola Medicine neuropsychologist Christopher Randolph challenges the widely-held theory that retired NFL players suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Despite high rates of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the study found little conclusive evidence to support CTE as a distinct disease.
A Yale University study found that 50% of women of reproductive age have never discussed their reproductive health with a provider, while 30% visit providers less than once a year or not at all. The study also revealed knowledge gaps on fertility concerns and optimal conception methods.
Research by Meiyun Lin and colleagues found that Asian ozone pollution reaching Hawaii is relatively low in spring but rises significantly in autumn due to changes in atmospheric circulation. This shift has significant implications for understanding surface ozone levels globally.
Articles in GSA Bulletin explore the impact of geological processes on rivers and coastlines. Researchers examined river morphology in Oregon, coastal responses to sea-level changes in Brazil, and aditification differentiation in NE Iran, providing insights into the effects of tectonics and environmental changes.
Researchers discovered an additional active process producing nanodiamonds in sediments less than 3,000 years old, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial event. The study found no correlation between nanodiamond concentration and alternative processes, supporting the ET impact hypothesis.
Handwashing and zinc are likely effective in preventing colds, with some evidence suggesting they also work for adults. Antihistamines combined with decongestants and pain medications can provide relief from symptoms, while ibuprofen and acetaminophen help with pain and fever.
The mathematician's work has led to a better understanding of how fiber optics can be made more stable and robust. His research involves marrying mathematics and physics to study the behavior of solitary waves in various structures, including optical waveguide arrays and granular crystals.
Four common pesticides commonly used on crops to kill insects and fungi also kill honeybee larvae within their hives. The team found that mixtures of pesticides can have greater consequences for larval toxicity than individual pesticides, with chlorothalonil being the most toxic.
Researchers have developed modified forms of spectinomycin that can act against TB bacteria, showing activity against multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains in mice. The new compounds, called spectinamides, are targeted to TB bacteria without harming mammalian cells.
A Boston University study found that children from two cultures exhibited surprisingly similar ideas about the time before conception, suggesting a hard-wired bias toward immortality. The research indicates that children's emotions and desires are central to their concept of an eternal essence.
A recent study found that 59% of college students at one Oregon university experienced food insecurity, with severe implications for their academic performance, physical and emotional health. The researchers attributed this issue to rising college costs, low-income and first-generation students, and changing demographic trends.
Studies suggest that maintaining a normal level of the protein SirT1 may be effective in preventing obesity- and age-related diseases. Researchers have demonstrated that changing three amino acids on SirT1 can produce a 'super-sirt' that functions normally despite metabolic stress.
Researchers at USC identify a gene that delays aging effects depending on dietary intake, suggesting a genetic basis for individual nutritional needs. This breakthrough may lead to tailored diets based on an individual's genetic makeup, potentially enhancing overall health and longevity.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an app that measures cellphone use, revealing shocking statistics. The app, dubbed Menthal, analyzes user behavior over six weeks, showing average users activate their smartphones every 12 minutes, and problematic use can lead to addiction-like symptoms.