Scientists have found a constant ratio between excitatory and inhibitory neurons that maintains the brain's internal balance. This E/I ratio allows for subtle control over response to stimuli, preventing runaway firing or permanent quiescence.
Researchers found that mice exposed to tolylfluanid developed metabolic changes similar to those of human metabolic syndrome, including increased blood sugar and body fat. The study suggests potential health risks for humans exposed to the fungicide.
A recent study has found that hypothyroidism can cause impaired driving abilities, comparable to the effects of drinking alcohol. The research suggests that patients with significant hypothyroidism should avoid driving until they have been treated with thyroid hormone.
A new study found that testosterone replacement therapy can improve aerobic capacity and lessen its decline with age in older men with limited mobility. The therapy showed a significant reduction in the rate of decline of an important marker of physical fitness in these men.
A new study reveals that regional weather extremes are strongly related to large-scale wave patterns in the atmosphere. The research found that certain regions of Europe, Asia, and the US are more prone to prolonged bouts of unseasonal weather, including hot and cold spells, droughts, and wet periods.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University deciphered the inner workings of YiiP, a protein that prevents zinc toxicity in bacteria. The study reveals how protons drive the transport of zinc ions across cell membranes, shedding light on potential targets for modulating ZnT proteins and treating type 2 diabetes.
Scientists observe a mysterious geologic object on Ligeia Mare, the second-largest sea on Saturn's moon Titan, which may be the first observation of dynamic geological processes. The 'Magic Island' is thought to result from changing seasons and could provide insights into Titan's liquid environments.
A study found that older adults have fewer taste buds, leading to higher fasting blood sugar levels and lower adiponectin levels. The researchers suggest a link between the number of taste buds and glucose metabolism during aging.
Researchers have successfully detected the Higgs boson decaying directly into fermions, a discovery that confirms theoretical predictions. The analysis of data gathered at the Large Hadron Collider reveals an accumulation of decays near 125 GeV and with a significance of 3.8 sigma.
A team of international researchers has created 'molecular tadpoles' with unique properties, allowing for improved detergent performance and potential applications in flexible electronics. These molecules are formed by modifying 'bucky balls' with long chains, enabling them to assemble into extended structures.
Patients with metabolic syndrome who exercise before dieting show less muscle loss, according to a new study. Exercising prior to weight loss initiation preserves muscle mass and reduces frailty.
A new study suggests that concentrating solar power (CSP) can provide a substantial amount of current energy demand, particularly in the Mediterranean region. CSP systems can store energy as heat and convert it to electricity only when needed, making them more viable for large-scale energy production. The study also found that CSP coul...
Researchers found that high blood glucose levels increase neurotransmitter associated with depression and alter brain connections in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The study suggests a biological mechanism for the increased risk of depression in these individuals.
A new study found that soy protein supplements containing phytoestrogens do not reduce testosterone levels in men with Type 2 diabetes. Instead, they improve diabetes control and cardiovascular risk factors. The supplements also show promise in reducing the risk of heart disease.
A new study by the Endocrine Society found that BPA reprograms human fetal prostate tissue, increasing the risk of precancerous lesions. Exposure to low doses of BPA was shown to alter fetal prostate formation and increase stem cells, potentially leading to disease with aging.
A major new Series in The Lancet emphasizes the critical role of midwifery in saving millions of women and children worldwide. Effective midwifery can prevent up to three-quarters of stillbirths and maternal deaths, and even modest improvements in coverage could halve current rates by 2030.
A study published by the Endocrine Society found that low testosterone levels are linked to a higher risk of declining physical function in older men. The researchers also discovered that muscle weakness, possibly caused by decreased testosterone levels, may explain most of this relationship.
A new study finds that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of their body mass index (BMI). The study analyzed data from over 6,000 women and found that PCOS was associated with a five-fold increased risk of T2DM.
A new study found that maternal use of the antidepressant fluoxetine during pregnancy increases the risk of fatty liver disease in adult offspring. The researchers studied rats exposed to fluoxetine in utero and found a significant association with metabolic abnormalities.
The Photosynthetic Antenna Research Center (PARC) has been awarded $14.4 million in renewed funding from the Department of Energy to continue its research on natural and bio-inspired systems for harvesting the sun's energy. The center will focus on developing more efficient biohybrid systems to capture and convert solar photons into us...
A study suggests that raising low vitamin D levels through supplementation can lower the risk of prediabetes progressing to diabetes. The study found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a 8% decreased risk of progression to diabetes and improved reversal of normal blood sugar levels.
A new study from China finds that obese pregnant women who adhere to an intensive nutritional and exercise program starting in the first trimester gain less weight and have fewer pregnancy complications compared to peers who receive standard prenatal care. The results show a significant reduction in gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia,...
Research from McMaster University suggests a correlation between maternal use of fluoxetine during pregnancy and increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in children. The study's findings raise concerns about the long-term metabolic complications in children born to women who take SSRIs during pregnancy.
A Canadian study found that women with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol have poorer LDL cholesterol levels than men, despite equal access to cholesterol-lowering medication. The researchers suggest a need for gender-based evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients to prevent heart disease and stroke.
A blood kisspeptin level test may effectively predict the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women, with levels 60% lower than those in healthy pregnancies associated with a higher risk. The test more accurately predicted future miscarriage compared to hCG levels.
A new study found that blast traumatic brain injury may be linked to pituitary dysfunction, particularly in overweight patients. The study suggests that treating hormone deficiencies may help alleviate symptoms in veterans with this condition.
Researchers discovered that the androgen receptor may play a crucial role in treating estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The study found that women with high levels of androgen receptors were more likely to experience cancer recurrence during tamoxifen treatment.
A new study finds that diabetes drug liraglutide, when combined with diet and exercise, leads to significant weight loss of up to 18.7 pounds and reversal of prediabetes in nearly 70% of participants. The medication also delays the development of type 2 diabetes by three times.
Researchers at the Children's Medical Center Research Institute have identified a biomarker to accurately characterize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the body. This breakthrough finding could improve the success of clinical trials using MSCs for conditions such as bone fractures and osteoarthritis.
A Baylor University study found that full-time workers who attend churches emphasizing integrating faith at work experience higher job satisfaction and dedication. Involvement in congregations with strong faith-work connections boosts entrepreneurial spirit, but may hinder church attendance.
The Festschrift issue honors Dr. Koprowski's pioneering work on vaccines, including the oral polio vaccine, and its impact on cancer biology research. Dr. Koprowski's achievements have been recognized by CASIS, which enabled visionaries to explore life science research in microgravity environments.
A new study at LMU Munich finds that day-length, rather than temperature, determines the timing of leaf emergence in many plant species. This adaptation helps plants avoid late frosts and allows them to thrive in warmer climates.
The pig whipworm genome sequence provides a genetic resource for investigating human autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. Researchers found microRNAs regulating sexual development and secretory proteins with anti-inflammatory properties.
The US Department of Energy has renewed funding for Brookhaven's Center for Emergent Superconductivity, aiming to understand the fundamental nature of superconductivity in complex materials. This could revolutionize energy distribution and storage by enabling efficient transport and storage of vast quantities of energy.
Research reveals that electronic health record patient safety issues continue long after the implementation of EHRs, with complex mix of human and technological causes. Sophisticated monitoring systems are needed to address these problems.
A new tool, COST (COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity), measures a patient's risk for and ability to tolerate financial stress in cancer care. The study found that financial toxicity affects 30% of cancer survivors, with significant impact on workability and quality of life.
A new US study found that nearly 4% of babies born in the US are delivered early without a medical reason, with sociodemographic differences identified between women having early elective labor inductions and cesareans. Early elective deliveries are linked to increased health risks for mothers and babies.
A mitochondrial gene defect in the citrate carrier SLC25A1 may underlie deficits in neuromuscular transmission. Investigators identified a homozygous mutation in this gene in two siblings with congenital myasthenic syndrome, characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability.
Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of a Type VI secretion system export complex in bacteria, offering a potential target for novel antibiotics. The contractile sheath complex functions like a nanosyringe to expel toxins from cells, and its mechanism has been elucidated at sub-nanometer resolution.
Leading medical authorities call for global mental health objectives, a UN High Level Meeting on Mental Health, and efforts to end stigma and human rights violations. The experts say action is urgently needed, particularly in Africa, where mental health disorders account for a huge burden of disease and disability.
Researchers at ICFO have designed classes of multipartite Bell inequalities to detect nonlocality in many-body quantum states. These inequalities can be verified experimentally by measuring total spin components, enabling the study of complex many-body systems.
The discovery of the Snf2h gene's role in cerebellum development highlights its importance in balance, fine motor control, and complex physical movements. Without this gene, the cerebellum becomes smaller, leading to compromised balance and refined movements.
A recent study published in Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography found that advanced CT scanning equipment significantly reduces patient radiation exposure. The use of newer generation, dual-source CT scanners resulted in a 61% decrease in radiation exposure compared to older scanners.
A new study finds that menthol cigarette users smoke an average of 43 cigarettes per week, nearly double the amount smoked by non-menthols. The study also reveals that menthol smokers are almost three times more likely to intend to continue smoking in the next year.
A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia found no long-term effects on psychosocial outcomes for patients with intraoperative awareness during general anesthesia. Despite initial concerns, the research reveals no significant difference in PTSD diagnosis or other mental health conditions between patients with and without awareness.
Research by University of Delaware professor Katalin Takacs Haynes finds that extreme greed among top managers leads to lower performance and loss of shareholder value. However, a powerful board or long CEO tenure can mitigate this effect.
Researchers analyzed 763 South African men who frequent public drinking venues, finding nearly two-thirds with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), associated with increased HIV risk. The study highlights the need for integrated interventions targeting both alcohol and HIV-risk behaviors.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named three outstanding young scientists to receive the prestigious Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship Award, committing nearly $625,000 to support pediatric cancer research. The fellows, Ly Vu, David Woessner, and Mark Zimmerman, will conduct research with the potenti...
New study reveals emperor penguins may adapt to changing environments better than expected, moving among colonies and challenging long-held assumptions about their behavior. The research uses satellite images to track colony movements, showing that penguins do not return to the same location every year to nest.
Research participants showed greater positive attitudes toward answering questions when interacting with intergroup couples versus same-race couple interactions. Interacting in an intergroup context with a romantic partner can alleviate threats and improve conversations, leading to improved attitudes towards other groups.
Researchers have discovered that spiral ganglion stem cells in the inner ear can regenerate and differentiate into mature spiral ganglion cells, neurons, and glial cells. This breakthrough finding makes these stem cells a promising source of replacement cells for therapies aimed at regenerating neural structures in the inner ear.
KIT scientists create a volume in which an object can be hidden from touching, similar to a pea under the mattress of a princess. The mechanical invisibility cloak is based on a metamaterial structure that directs forces away from the object, making it invisible to touch.
The Institute of Medicine report reveals that millions of dollars spent on PTSD treatment effectiveness are unmeasured, with neither department having a coordinated system to track outcomes. Mental health is crucial for successful re-entry after military service, but treatments' efficacy remains unknown.
Researchers discovered how a protein molecule in immune cells promotes nitric oxide production, a potent weapon against bacterial attack. The discovery highlights the importance of finding a balance between fighting infection and preventing tissue damage.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics has discovered that the development of wings in fruit flies is coordinated with the whole body at two milestones: moulting and pupariation. This coordination ensures robustness against environmental and physiological perturbations.
A recent study on Sima de los Huesos fossils in northern Spain confirms the mosaic evolution pattern of Neandertal skull development. The analysis reveals homogeneity among the fossil sample, allowing researchers to study individual variation and growth patterns, shedding light on human evolution during the Middle Pleistocene.
Researchers found that peripheral blood stem cells stimulated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can inhibit osteoarthritis progression in rats. The therapy has potential as a treatment for OA, but further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Engineers at MIT and LLNL have created a system to fabricate microstructured materials with great stiffness and strength at ultralow density. The new material has been tested using three engineering materials, metal, ceramic, and polymer, and shown comparable properties.
Researchers at UCSB's Neuroscience Research Institute found a remarkable degree of variation in cell number across 30 genetically distinct lines of mice for 12 different retinal cell types. The variation was largely independent of one another, with few significant correlations between the cell types.
Research found that equine influenza viruses from the early 2000s can easily infect dog respiratory tracts, while those from the 1960s replicate poorly. The study suggests that canine and human influenza viruses can mix, generating new viruses that could pose a pandemic risk.