Research shows higher education levels and more years spent in school are associated with a greater prevalence and severity of nearsightedness. Outdoor activity and exposure to daylight are linked to reduced risk of myopia, suggesting environmental factors may outweigh genetics in its development.
The study found that inhibiting neurons in specific brain regions eliminated stress-induced heat production and increased body temperature in rats. Stimulating these neurons caused the opposite effect, highlighting a key neural circuit connection in the development of psychological stress-induced hyperthermia.
Norovirus infections contribute substantially to the global burden of acute gastroenteritis, causing both severe and mild cases across all age groups. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through contaminated food or water and contact with surfaces.
A study found that non-surgical gum disease treatment significantly reduced carotid artery thickening, a risk factor for heart disease. The treatment's systemic impact may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in high-risk populations like Indigenous Australians.
Researchers identified two antidepressant classes, including the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor antagonist Mianserin, that improve symptoms of depression in cancer patients. However, these treatments may be less well-tolerated due to potential side effects.
Research suggests that short and long sleep durations are associated with lower brain function scores in older adults. Optimizing sleep at an older age may help delay cognitive decline. The study's findings support the importance of 6-8 hours of sleep per night for optimum brain function.
Tiny aquatic creatures called Cloudina built reefs in ancient seas using natural cement composed of calcium carbonate. Their fossilized remains are the oldest reefs of their type in the world, dating back to the Ediacaran Period.
A new data analysis technique uses big data to predict poor kidney function after transplant, allowing doctors to intervene earlier and improve recovery periods. The study analyzed blood samples from 18 patients before and after transplants, revealing vital clues in molecular level data.
The Precourt Institute and KQED have developed a two-part e-book series on energy, exploring its basics and applications. The interactive Energy iBooks Textbooks aim to promote energy literacy among students aged 8-13.
Dr. Leslie F. Greengard has been awarded the 2014 John von Neumann Lecture prize for his transformative contributions to computational science. He will receive the award and deliver a keynote lecture on Fast, Accurate Tools for Physical Modeling in Complex Geometry at the SIAM Annual Meeting in Chicago.
A team of researchers found that the articulation of vowels systematically influences our feelings and vice versa. The study revealed that words containing the long 'i' vowel tend to occur in positive emotional contexts, while those with the long 'o' vowel are associated with negative emotions.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a novel method for studying plant growth using LEGO bricks, creating controlled micro-environments that can be easily replicated worldwide. The innovative approach allows for the simultaneous testing of various environmental factors, such as nutrients, water, and oxygen gradients.
Researchers found that deep ocean currents stalled or stopped, increasing carbon dioxide storage and suppressing temperatures. This led to longer, more intense ice age cycles, as the climate system entered a new phase of colder but less frequent ice ages.
The Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden has strengthened its position as a leading research platform in micro- and nanoelectronics. Researchers are working on pressing topics, including the 'Fifth Generation' of mobile communications, to develop new technologies with applications in various fields.
Three previously unrecorded volcanoes have been found in southeastern Australia, adding to the Newer Volcanics Province's 400 volcanoes. The discovery provides new insights into an area of volcanic centres already known to geologists.
MIT researchers successfully control muscle movement in awake and alert mice by applying blue light to their spinal cords via optogenetics. This technique reveals the function of inhibitory interneurons that form complex circuits with other neurons, allowing for precise control over specific subsets of neurons.
Research suggests that LGBTQ+ veterans face unique challenges and may benefit from mental health professionals familiar with their needs. Social workers can play a crucial role in providing culturally competent care, starting with simple changes like modifying medical history forms.
The new NASA images demonstrate a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels across the United States over the past decade, indicating improved air quality. This decrease is attributed to regulations, technological advancements, and economic changes, despite increasing population and vehicle numbers.
A study by Princeton University researchers found that the Metadherin gene, implicated in promoting breast cancer tumors, only stimulates growth when bound to its partner protein SND1. The research reveals that MTDH plays a role in both initial tumor growth and metastasis, but not normal cell growth or development.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital developed an app to reduce sedentary behavior in obese individuals. The app, B-Mobile, uses automated prompts and feedback to encourage short breaks and increase physical activity, resulting in reduced sedentary time and improved health outcomes.
Rice University researchers have successfully developed palladium-gold nanocatalysts that convert glycerol, a waste byproduct of biodiesel production, into valuable chemicals. The catalysts produce a 'Goldilocks' effect, striking the perfect balance between palladium and gold to achieve faster conversion rates.
Researchers discovered that interactions with other infections later in life can trigger dormant herpes viruses to resurface and cause disease. This finding highlights the complex relationships between pathogens and the immune system, which could lead to new strategies for combating these infections.
Researchers found that people taking corticosteroid pills are at increased risk of developing active TB, but were less likely to be screened for the infection. Current guidelines may need to be revised to account for this increased risk and ensure timely screening.
A WUSTL scientist has developed a drug delivery system that exploits bacterial siderophores to target specific pathogens, potentially reviving abandoned antibiotics and making it harder for bacteria to develop resistance. The system uses tiny Trojan horses linked to siderophore molecules to smuggle antibiotics into bacterial cells.
Researchers at Drexel University found a significant spike in Google searches for autism in April, with an average increase of 26 percent between March and April. The study analyzed web search trends from 2004 to 2014 and also found a long-term increasing trend for Asperger's disorder searches.
Researchers identify 230 key odorants responsible for encoding the typical smell of individual foodstuffs, with each foodstuff having its own unique odor code. The mapping of odor codes opens up new possibilities for biotechnology applications in crop breeding and industrial-scale production of high-quality food odorants.
A study found that lab monitoring tests are not always ordered as recommended, with factors such as specialist status, age, and general health influencing the use of these tests. The research suggests that interventions to improve laboratory monitoring should focus on areas with the greatest potential for improvement.
Researchers from Cambridge University have broken a world record by trapping a strong magnetic field in a high-temperature superconductor. The achievement demonstrates the potential of these materials for various applications, including energy storage and transportation systems.
A University of Liverpool researcher has discovered that magnesium chloride can replace cadmium chloride in solar cell technology, reducing costs and toxicity by up to 98%.
A recent study found that organic farms support more plant and bee species than conventional farms, particularly in arable fields. However, adding structural elements like woods and hedges can increase habitats and promote biodiversity on farms.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California detected a force of approximately 42 yoctonewtons using a unique optical trapping system and ultracold atoms. The detection surpassed the Standard Quantum Limit, achieving sensitivity consistent with theoretical predictions.
Researchers from SISSA developed an efficient algorithm to categorize big data, grouping similar data points in clusters. The algorithm uses a heuristic approach to identify cluster centers, achieving optimal performance in recognizing individuals and eliminating outliers.
A NIH-funded study found that telemedicine screening for ROP in premature infants can correctly identify cases with 90% accuracy. The approach, which involves sending photos of baby eyes to a distant image reading center, could help ease strain on hospitals and improve care for underserved areas.
A study by TUM researchers found that traffic light labeling can lead to a false sense of security and result in consumers ignoring more complex product information. This effect is particularly pronounced in financial products where the labeling influences consumer trust in specific attributes, such as flexibility or state guarantee.
Researchers found that genes influenced the propensity to practice and music accomplishment in musicians, with genetics becoming more important as individuals practiced. The study challenged the theory that innate ability can be overcome with enough training.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers demonstrates that a particular neuron creates a 'personal space' in the retina, similar to human behavior. The study identifies a genetic contributor to this feature, pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (Pttg1), and shows that it is heritable.
A study suggests that small changes to US kidney allocation policies can help alleviate geographic disparities in transplantation. Implementing local sharing strategies like the Statewide Sharing variance adopted by Tennessee and Florida has been shown to significantly reduce disparities, while other states saw increased disparities.
A new study from St. Michael's Hospital and ICES found that women with chronic physical illnesses are 10% more likely to use mental health services than men. Women also seek out mental health services on average six months earlier than men, highlighting a significant gender divide in care.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggest that inhibiting the action of enzyme Cdk5 could substantially reduce brain damage after a stroke. The study found that aberrant Cdk5 activity causes nerve cell death during stroke and that blocking this enzyme can help preserve brain tissue.
A study found that first-grade teachers in classrooms with more students who struggle with math were more likely to use non-traditional, ineffective instructional practices. In contrast, traditional teacher-directed instruction was associated with achievement gains for students with mathematics difficulties.
Researchers identified an epigenetic signature in blood samples from women with a BRCA1 mutation that increased cancer risk and lower survival rates. The same signature was found in women without the mutation who developed breast cancer, indicating it may predict breast cancer risk several years before diagnosis.
The discovery of the electric eel genome sequence sheds light on the genetic blueprint used to evolve complex, novel organs. Researchers found that fishes with electric organs have evolved six times in history to produce electricity outside their bodies.
Researchers discovered Staphylococcus aureus creates biofilm streamers using a biological glue, which can rapidly clog up medical devices. The bacteria's ability to form these slimy structures is crucial in understanding the mechanism of infections associated with medical devices.
A study published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer. The longer a person takes low-dose aspirin, the lower their risk of developing pancreatic cancer, with some evidence suggesting a greater reduction in risk over time.
A Penn study shows that MD/MBA graduates increasingly pursue leadership roles and experience greater career acceleration. They report enhanced credibility in multidisciplinary domains beyond clinical practice.
Researchers found that natural plant odors and human sources of pollution can conceal the scent of sought-after flowers, leading to energy and time losses for pollinators. The study used a chemical detection device to track flower odors in the wild and showed remarkable similar results in a lab wind tunnel test.
Researchers have found a consistent pattern of gene expression associated with tumor spreading in mice, which was also found in human oral cancer samples. A transcriptional signature predicting metastatic disease was identified with about 93% accuracy.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a new chemical to aid drug manufacturing processes, making it more environmentally-friendly and easier to scale up for industry. The team found that a positively charged molecule known as TMA can replace silver in the manufacturing process, reducing costs and waste.
Samuel Dodson, a recent graduate of Lewis and Clark College, has been awarded the 2014 Peter Lyman Memorial Scholarship in New Media. He will pursue a Master of Archival Studies and Master of Library and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia.
University of Washington researchers used crowdsourcing to teach robots how to build models and perform manipulation actions. The results showed that the robot learned faster and produced simpler yet effective models with input from humans and online communities.
A recent study discovered how the bloodsucking parasitic mite Varroa destructor transforms Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) into a major threat to UK honeybees. DWV is usually harmless, but when transmitted by Varroa, it amplifies a virulent form of the virus associated with disease.
Researchers have found a way to deliver proteins directly into live human cells, bypassing the need to damage or kill the cell membrane. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize medical research and treatment of diseases, including cancer and regenerative medicine.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for tuberculosis (TB) by targeting the body's immune response rather than directly killing the bacteria. This new host-directed therapy has shown promise in preventing disease severity and controlling bacterial growth, offering hope for those infected with drug-resistant strains.
Researchers identify regulatory molecules involved in creating powerful electrical fields in electric fish, found only in fish and evolved independently half a dozen times. The study reveals a common genetic basis for the electric organ across six diverse species, highlighting convergent evolution in these fascinating creatures.
Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences have discovered a new species of round-eared sengi in southwestern Africa, showcasing the critical role of scientific collections in biodiversity studies. The Etendeka round-eared sengi is the smallest known member of the order Macroscelidea.
Academic technology transfer has a transformative impact on universities, fostering entrepreneurship, student success and real-world research participation. It also generates public benefits, economic development and increased funding opportunities.
The review explores how RNA viruses induce Type I and III interferons, which regulate virus replication and host survival. Different types of interferons have distinct antiviral properties, playing a critical role in maintaining an optimum equilibrium between virus replication and host survival.
The study recommends that HPEN consumers develop an emergency kit, including a basic emergency kit and an HPEN emergency kit, as well as contact lists for family, friends, physicians, and pharmacy providers. Homecare providers are advised to focus on consumer safety, minimizing service interruptions, and developing contingency plans.
Researchers found over-activity of enzyme HDAC6 exacerbates ALS symptoms in fruit-flies, highlighting potential therapeutic avenues. Inhibition of HDAC6 may offer protective effects against the disease.
A recent study suggests that crops grown on 'land-grabbed' areas in developing countries could feed an extra 100-550 million people worldwide. The improved infrastructure brought about by foreign investment could increase the productivity of subsistence farmlands, leading to a significant increase in global food production.