A joint project between NC State University and the University of Florida is using cookies, citizen science, and robust research methods to collect data on ant species diversity. The School of Ants project has already yielded surprising findings, including the spread of invasive species across the US.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis due to its high rate of false positives. A systematic review found no evidence that screening improves outcomes, but also identified a small risk of harms such as stroke and mortality.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory problems, orientation issues, and behavioral changes. A simplified diagnosis using specific biomarkers improves the accuracy of early-stage diagnoses.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine will analyze whole exome and genome sequence data from 6,000 volunteers with Alzheimer's disease to identify rare genetic variants. The goal is to find new therapeutic targets that can reduce the economic and human burden caused by this devastating disease.
New research reveals that changes in Antarctic winds may accelerate global sea level rise by up to 4°C warmer water temperatures near ice shelves. This could lead to a massive increase in the rate of ice sheet melt, with direct consequences for global sea levels.
Researchers at Caltech and Virginia Tech found that wise traders receive an early warning signal from their brains before price bubbles form in experimental markets. These 'irrational exuberance' individuals buy aggressively during the bubble, while smart traders sell early, causing the bubble to burst and earning them more money.
A new study published in PNAS found that metabolic processes are significantly increased during sleep deprivation, with 27 metabolites found at higher levels. This discovery could be crucial when looking at the best time of day to test for diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
The Houshiheisan compound prescription effectively suppresses abnormal amyloid precursor protein accumulation and reduces amyloid substance deposition. It maintains the stabilization of the internal environment of neurovascular units, minimizing injury to these units in the ischemic penumbra.
Researchers argue that IPCC's approval process limits its credibility by not considering diverse policy views. By analyzing global emissions data, they show how different interpretations can be made from the same dataset, highlighting the need for a more connected scientific-policy interface.
The ASN Foundation for Kidney Research has awarded $2.8 million in research grants to advance the understanding and treatment of kidney diseases. The grants support basic, translational, and clinical research to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered a significant difference in the contents and distribution of mobile DNA elements between fruit fly populations on opposite sides of Evolution Canyon. The study found that these repetitive sequences are increasingly recognized as agents of adaptive change, influencing stress resistance and mating.
Research finds that excess belly fat, low physical activity, and underweight status increase COPD risk. People with larger waist circumference have a 72% higher chance of developing COPD.
A recent study found that over 60 percent of Navajo children have untreated oral health issues, including 69.5 percent of children having untreated tooth decay. The Navajo Nation faces significant barriers to accessing dental care, with a low dentist-to-patient ratio and limited access to healthcare services.
The release of worldwide maps of soil moisture by NASA's Aquarius instrument showcases how wetness of the land changes with seasons and weather phenomena. This data is essential for understanding the climate system and has potential applications in advancing climate models, weather forecasts, drought monitoring, and water management.
Scientists are developing new technologies at the atomic scale to create ultra-low-power electronics. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the electronic industry, enabling smaller, more efficient devices that can be powered by longer-lasting batteries.
Timothy N. Taft, M.D. is being inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's (AOSSM) Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to sports medicine education and research. He has served as a long-time professor at UNC and team physician for numerous international teams.
Researchers found that 3-n-butylphthalide improved neuronal morphology in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress caused by chronic cerebral ischemia. The compound also inhibited amyloid beta accumulation and improved cholinergic function in rats with chronic cerebral ischemia.
Researchers at Penn University have proposed a new concept called the anticrystal, which is a theoretical solid with complete disorder. The study suggests that understanding the mechanical properties of materials can be improved by starting with the framework of the anticrystal and adding order.
Some bees in Brazil use loud signals to deter competitors, a counterintuitive strategy that's successful in warding off rivals. This study reveals how eavesdropping can influence the evolution of animal communication signals.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and four other American universities will analyze genetic data from 6,000 individuals with Alzheimer's disease and 5,000 older individuals without the disease. The goal is to identify rare genetic variants that may protect against or contribute to the disease risk.
A study by Kansas State University researcher Sooyeol Kim found that employees who take short smartphone breaks throughout the day are happier at the end of the workday. Microbreaks, defined as non-working-related behaviors during working hours, can provide employees with refreshment and help them cope with stressors.
A study by UC Riverside researchers reveals that certain cells in the intestinal and respiratory systems have an electrostatic repulsion field, protecting against bacterial and viral infections. This finding could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of certain infections.
Researchers studied rat and mouse models of focal cerebral ischemia to develop high-quality rodent models of stroke. They found optimal methods for middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats (0.40-0.45 mm, 18-20 mm thread insertion length) and mice (0.15-0.18 mm, 9-11 mm thread insertion length).
According to a recent study by NYU researchers, nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors use hookah. Hookah use is more common among students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and those living in cities. Researchers caution that the increasing popularity of hookah pens may normalize their use, leading to potential health consequences.
High-volume neonatal centers have been shown to significantly improve premature newborn survival rates, with a 30% increase for overall premature births and a 50% increase for very premature babies born after less than 27 weeks of pregnancy. This study suggests that centralized care in these units leads to better outcomes.
According to Catherine Weinberger's study, individuals who exhibit both book smarts and social skills achieve greater success in the workplace. She analyzed data from 1972-1992 high school students and found a strong upward trend for workers with a combination of cognitive ability and social skills.
Researchers at Brown University studied tadpoles' neural signals to understand how they detect approaching visual stimuli. They found that the tectum region of the brain plays a crucial role in distinguishing impending collisions from mere presence, with inhibitory neurons acting as facilitators of network function.
Researchers have identified a new phase of oxygen with unprecedented characteristics, including the formation of quartet molecules that exhibit a 'quantum dance' at high pressures. This phenomenon leads to fluctuating magnetic properties in one phase and loss of magnetism in another.
A new study reveals that certain strains of SAR11 can generate methane as a byproduct of breaking down methylphosphonic acid, producing phosphorus. This discovery explains the 'marine methane paradox' and provides an important piece of the puzzle in understanding the Earth's methane cycle.
Researchers investigate gene therapy as a potential treatment to improve viability and regenerative capacity of injured adult retinal ganglion cells. Studies using modified viral vectors introduce genes into injured visual pathway cells, aiming to promote long-distance axon regeneration.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered a mechanism by which Streptococcus pneumoniae switches from harmless commensal to pathogenic bacterium, triggered by T regulatory cells. This balance is crucial in preventing inflammation and disease.
According to a new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine, nearly all emergency patients who reported using any drug other than marijuana had problem drug use. The study found that 46.6% of cannabis users met the criteria for having a drug problem, with most also showing signs of addiction and substance abuse.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University report a high degree of satisfaction among caregivers who received support teams for terminal cancer patients. The intervention improved satisfaction in five areas: pain relief, managing pain, speed in treating symptoms, information about side effects, and coordination of care.
A study found that trials with broader age limits resulted in a significant increase in teenage cancer patients participating in clinical trials. The study showed a 13% rise in 15-19 year old patients and a 5% rise in 20-24 year olds, as well as an increase in children under 14 taking part in trials.
Researchers discovered a correlation between specific brain activity patterns and sensitivity to market bubbles in high earners. The study found that these individuals ignored nucleus accumbens activity, which is associated with pleasant emotional states, instead focusing on the anterior insular cortex, which is active during bodily di...
Tropical Cyclone Neoguri strengthened from a tropical storm into a supertyphoon between July 4 and July 7, with maximum sustained winds near 130 knots (149.6 mph). NASA satellites provided forecasters with visible, infrared, and microwave data on the powerful storm.
A new wellness approach called Eat for Life, focusing on mindfulness and intuitive eating, is more effective than traditional weight-loss programs in improving body image and reducing problematic eating behaviors. Women who participated in the program reported higher levels of body appreciation and lower levels of disordered eating beh...
A study published in Diabetologia suggests that consuming whey protein before a regular breakfast can reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes and improve insulin responses. The researchers found that the early insulin response was significantly higher after whey protein, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Dr. Bruce Reider has been recognized for his extensive contributions to sports medicine education and research. He is a prominent figure in the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), serving as editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Executive Editor of the Medical Publishing Group.
A long-term study of the West Antarctic Peninsula finds that changes in climate and sea-ice cover impact the entire polar food web, from single-celled algae to penguins. The study shows how a stable water column favors phytoplankton growth, which is essential for krill recruitment.
Researchers at Linköping University solved the long-standing mystery of a printed diode by applying it in the GHz band, enabling power supply to printed electronics via mobile phones. The breakthrough was achieved through tunnel effects, a phenomenon in quantum physics.
New study finds sedentary behavior can be detrimental to cardiovascular health, independent of exercise. Researchers recommend taking short walks, tracking daily steps, and replacing desk chairs with fitness balls or treadmill desks.
Researchers at University College London have discovered a way to block the movement of cancer cells by targeting chemical signals that trigger their transformation into an invasive, liquid-like state. This breakthrough could lead to innovative techniques to stop cancer cells from spreading and causing secondary tumours.
A study published in Nature Communications found that pseudogene expression profiles can help explain how cancer occurs and aid in discovering new biomarkers. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted therapies and predicting patient outcomes.
Researchers used DNA origami to test theories about cell signaling, finding that distance between ephrin molecules affects EphA2 receptor activity in breast cancer cells. This study developed a method for controlled environment cell communication research, which may lead to new approaches to pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new formulation of cisplatin that significantly increases its ability to target and destroy cancerous cells. The modified version of cisplatin, called Platin-M, is designed to overcome resistance by attacking mitochondria within cancerous cells.
A study by Brown University researchers found that Rhode Island's Lead Hazard Mitigation Law has significantly reduced blood lead levels in children living in compliant buildings. However, only 20% of properties covered by the law were in compliance, with average lead levels still above 5 micrograms per deciliter in noncompliant homes.
A new study published in The Lancet found that partial knee replacement surgery is safer than total knee replacement, with fewer life-threatening complications and deaths. Patients who undergo partial knee replacement are less likely to experience major complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or deep infections.
A randomized clinical trial found that women who received prenatal and infant/toddler home visits by nurses had lower maternal all-cause mortality rates compared to those who did not receive these services. Additionally, children whose mothers received home visits were less likely to die from preventable causes before the age of 20.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) will present ten research awards and seven grants during its Annual Meeting. The highlights include the Young Investigator Grant to Perry R. Altman, MD, for new treatment options for knee injuries, and the O'Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award to Rick W. Wright MD and colle...
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that socioeconomic status can impact scientific knowledge and perception. Higher socioeconomic participants felt more informed about nanotechnology after reading science news, but their factual knowledge was lower than frequent newspaper readers in low socioeconomic groups.
Researchers analyzed bioerosion rates and distribution of organisms on mesophotic reefs to understand long-term structural sustainability. The study found significant differences in bioerosion rates between mesophotic and shallow-water reefs.
Researchers will analyze whole exome and whole genome sequence data from 6,000 volunteers with Alzheimer disease and 5,000 older individuals without the disease to identify rare genetic variants. The goal is to search for therapeutic targets that might reduce the economic and human burden of this devastating disease.
Researchers found that non-invasive brain stimulations, including rTMS and tDCS, can regulate the activities of cerebral motor cortex neurons. These findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with central nervous system injuries or damage.
A study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center used the Sleeping Beauty gene transfer system to modify T cells and fight invasive Aspergillus fungus. The approach has implications for genetically modifying T cells to target carbohydrate antigens, broadening their application in treating pathogens and malignancies.
Research by Jeong Pyo Seo and Sung Ho Jang found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduces activation in the unaffected motor cortex of patients with cerebral infarct. This effect was observed after just two weeks of treatment, suggesting potential drawbacks to this therapy for stroke recovery.
Researchers propose an incentive-based method to balance hospital capacity and patient choice during a pandemic, aiming for high efficiency and patient satisfaction. By using numerical modeling, they show that the patient choice of hospitals can match the desired resource utilization by the central health authority.
The Geological Society of America recognized Susan Kieffer, Lisa Tauxe, Francis Macdonald as GSA's highest honors for their seminal research contributions to various geosciences. The awards were presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Vancouver, Canada.
A new study examines the complex interplay between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in ex-POWs, finding that treatment must address both conditions simultaneously. Prof. Solomon's research suggests that a 'tunnel vision' approach to treating POWs is ineffective and may even exacerbate symptoms.
Researchers discovered that dental pulp stem cells can protect retinal ganglion cells from death and promote regeneration of their axons. The study found that these stem cells naturally express neurotrophic factors, providing a potentially limitless source of growth factors for injured neurons.