The George Washington University has received a record-breaking $80 million in gifts from the Milken Institute, the Sumner M. Redstone Charitable Foundation, and the Milken Family Foundation to address global public health challenges through prevention and wellness initiatives. The gifts will support new research, scholarships, and pro...
Researchers identified two new gene regions associated with bipolar disorder and confirmed three existing ones through a massive international collaboration. The study analyzed genetic data from over 9,400 patients and found that these genes work together with environmental factors to contribute to the disease.
Researchers found that young children in different cultures do not fully grasp the concept of intellectual property until around age 5 or 6. In contrast, older children and adults across cultures view copying as negative. The study suggests that cultural differences may not be as significant as previously thought.
A new study suggests that gift givers often prioritize desirability over practicality, leading to gifts that the recipient doesn't want. In contrast, receivers tend to value practicality more. Brands can help consumers consider the product's utility when buying as a gift, making the gift more appealing to both parties.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that increased psychological distress and depression symptoms are associated with high cortisol levels, while severe burnout is linked to low cortisol concentrations. This study aims to develop more accurate screening tools for mental health professionals.
Researchers have eradicated solid tumors in laboratory mice using a novel combination of two targeted agents that stimulate an immune response. This approach allows the patient's own tumor to act as a cancer vaccine, differing from traditional methods where the immune system is stimulated by administering a vaccine.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found no decrease in knee cartilage damage or improvement in bone marrow lesions with glucosamine supplementation. Glucosamine did not reduce urinary excretion of C-telopeptides of type II collagen, a predictor of cartilage destruction.
A study of two surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse found that they were similarly effective in treating the condition, with success rates of 59.2% and 60.5% after two years. The exercise program did not offer additional benefits to participants.
A timid jumping spider uses the scent of ants as a defense mechanism against spitting spiders, positioning itself near ant nests for protection. However, this protection also comes with a cost, as jumping spiders are preyed upon by their savior species, the weaver ant.
Researchers identified distinct brain activity profiles when making cost-benefit decisions about drinking alcohol. The study used fMRI to examine how the brain weighs pros and cons of drinking, revealing a neural signature associated with ambivalence between cost and benefits.
A new study using a driving simulator found that patients can return to driving safely four weeks after total hip replacement. Patients under 70 reached improved reaction times earlier than those over 70.
Research from NYU College of Nursing reveals that Magnet hospitals have superior practice environments, which lead to higher nurse-reported quality of care and better patient outcomes. The study found a positive correlation between positive work environments and excellent quality of care in both Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals.
Scientists have identified perivascular stem cells as a reservoir of HCMV, suggesting a potential treatment target. The discovery could lead to the development of novel targeted therapies to prevent HCMV re-activation and its associated complications.
Researchers found that western corn rootworm beetles resistant to crop rotation are less vulnerable to RNAi treatment, surviving longer on soybean leaves. The study suggests targeting a single gene may not be the best strategy for controlling pests.
The Holberg Prize 2014 has been awarded to scholar Michael Cook for his groundbreaking research on the relationship between Islam, religion, and politics. Cook's work emphasizes the role of religious values in shaping Islamic civilization from the medieval period to the present.
A new study found that reminders of relationships consumers don't have can lead to restrictions on indulgent spending, choosing lower-end brands and opting for healthier options. This effect is particularly pronounced during holidays and wedding season when relationship portrayals are prominent in advertisements.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes by successfully converting gut cells into functional insulin-producing cells. The new method involves introducing specific transcription factors into intestinal crypt cells, which can then produce insulin and improve hyperglycemia in diabetic mice.
Following Tommy John surgery, MLB pitchers show significant improvement in performance, including reduced walks and hits per inning pitched. 83% of patients successfully return to professional play, extending their careers by an average of 3.9 years.
Researchers found that younger female patients, particularly those with post-traumatic or rheumatoid arthritis, had the highest pain scores. Surgical factors like general anesthesia and longer tourniquet time during knee replacement also contribute to postoperative pain.
A new national study found that urban lawn care practices vary significantly across cities, despite uniformity in appearance. The research suggests that local climate and social factors play a more significant role than initially expected, requiring tailored solutions to address environmental challenges. Understanding these patterns is...
Columbia University has been awarded a $31 million NIH grant to create the Center for Excellence for Translational Research at Columbia's CII. The center will bring together researchers from diverse fields to develop insights into disease mechanisms and methods for detecting infectious agents.
Recent years have seen progress in ASD research, with updates on genetic causes, effective treatments, and promoting success for young people with ASD entering college. The special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry highlights six key areas of research.
Studies show that when participants experience an 'out-of-body' illusion, their memories are fragmented and stored improperly. The research suggests a close relationship between body experience and memory, with implications for understanding psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and schizophrenia.
Researchers have developed a novel treatment strategy that targets transplanted tissue, allowing over 70% of mice to accept transplants without lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. The approach also shows promise in treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
Researchers uncover an entire network of cellular helpers to mitigate damage, identifying new regulatory mechanisms for the heat shock response. The study's findings may also offer insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A computer system called SIMULFIS was developed to simulate the behavior of tax evaders, incorporating conditions such as fairness and social influence. The study found that improving tax inspections is a more effective measure against tax evasion than increasing fines.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that men with poorer cardiovascular fitness and/or lower IQ at age 18 are more likely to develop early-onset dementia before age 60. This increased risk remains even when controlled for other factors, highlighting the importance of physical exercise in maintaining cognitive health.
Researchers found that several chemotherapy drugs cause hyper proliferation in stem cells, leading to tumor recurrence. The study used fruit flies as a model, discovering compounds that inhibit tumors without causing this side effect.
A national survey of primary care physicians found they often experience uncertainty in ordering and interpreting clinical laboratory tests, with missing results and confusing report formats being major challenges. Physicians reported that improved electronic decision-support tools and access to lab personnel would help reduce this unc...
Researchers identified a microbe that can take up electrons from minerals in soil and sediment using natural conductivity. The microbes rely on sunlight and iron to generate energy, but have developed an unusual strategy to reach the iron through naturally occurring conductive minerals.
Chronic smokers have altered emotional reactions when exposed to negative and positive images associated with tobacco. They are more aroused by positive images and affected by aversive non-smoking related images than by images of specific negative consequences.
A recent study by UCLA scientists and colleagues reveals that UV light significantly enhances the ability of melanoma cells to creep along the outside of blood vessels, leading to increased metastasis. The research demonstrates that exposure to UV radiation triggers inflammation, attracting immune cells that promote this process.
Carlo Di Castro reflects on the development of theoretical condensed matter physics in Rome, highlighting key areas like superfluid helium, quantum systems, and high-temperature superconductors. He shares personal anecdotes about his research policy experiences and the evolution of his field.
The 2014 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award winners were selected based on the quality, originality and significance of their research. The award recipients will participate in a scientific symposium at Fred Hutch, presenting their work to the public.
Researchers found that transient brain ischemia induces hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and alters its interaction with glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β and protein phosphatase 2A. Lithium chloride's neuroprotective function may depend on regulating tau phosphorylation during cerebral ischemia.
Girls born unexpectedly small or underweight may face fertility problems in adulthood, research suggests. Analysis of 1206 Swedish women found those with female infertility causes were almost 2.5 times more likely to have been underweight at birth.
A new study by UBC researchers found that cold-blooded animals worldwide have similar heat tolerance limits, with tropical species relying on behavioral thermoregulation. The authors recommend protecting migration corridors and habitats that provide shade, especially in the tropics.
Research found azithromycin and levofloxacin therapies associated with higher mortality risks compared to amoxicillin. Levofloxacin use also linked to increased serious arrhythmia risk. Only one quarter of primary care patients with mild cognitive impairment progress to dementia within three years, according to study.
Scientists identified a broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibody in a lupus patient, which could be used to target rapidly mutating viruses. Researchers also developed a workflow to evaluate protein turnover kinetics, revealing previously unknown alterations in disease development.
Researchers used innovative tools to detect a previously unknown gene mutation and initiate personalized drug treatment for a boy with uncontrollable seizures. Memantine was shown to have an effect in reducing seizure activity.
Research suggests that drinking alcohol during early pregnancy may heighten the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with even moderate consumption increasing the likelihood of these outcomes. Women from more affluent backgrounds were found to be more likely to drink excessively.
Research reveals disparate fertilizer and irrigation practices among different age groups, socioeconomic statuses, and climates in urban, suburban and rural areas. The study found that lawncare varies more within a city than expected, suggesting that one sustainability message may not fit all.
Scientists from Brandeis University and the University of Pittsburgh validate Alan Turing's theory of morphogenesis, demonstrating that identical cell-like structures can differentiate into various patterns through intercellular reaction-diffusion. The research has implications for biological development, materials science, and soft ro...
A new blood test detects specific genes activated in individuals with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), excluding diagnosis without imaging studies. This approach reduces healthcare costs and may improve patient outcomes by minimizing invasive tests.
Research suggests that natural selection has altered European appearance over the past 5,000 years, with ancient DNA revealing darker skin, hair, and eye pigmentation. This phenomenon is comparable to other examples of adaptive evolution, such as malaria resistance and lactase persistence.
A recent study using ancient tree rings reveals that the Mongol Empire's rapid expansion was facilitated by a period of unusually mild and wet weather in central Asia. The findings suggest that this favorable climate allowed for increased grass production, which in turn enabled the Mongols to build their powerful horse-riding army.
A new glycoprofiling test has been developed to halve the number of false-positives in ovarian cancer diagnoses, sparing women from unnecessary worry and further testing. The test targets a specific sugar molecule on the CA125 protein, which is only present in women with ovarian cancer.
A recent UK study found that children in London eat an unhealthy amount of salt on a daily basis, with cereal- and bread-based products accounting for over a third of their diets. The study's results highlight the need for increased efforts to reduce salt intake in foods, particularly among teens.
University of Houston researchers create a system to diagnose diseases in real time using smartphones and $20 lens attachments. The device uses gold nanoholes to detect chemical interactions between disease-causing agents and antibodies, providing quick and affordable readouts.
Researchers have developed a simple yet elegant solution to analyze large amounts of soil DNA data, reducing computational requirements by up to 200-fold. This breakthrough enables scientists to extract more science from the noise, paving the way for new discoveries in fields like agriculture and carbon cycling.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified potential markers for dementia in Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairments. These markers include thinning in certain cortical areas and subcortical atrophy in grey matter, which may serve as a warning sign for developing dementia.
Research from Umeå University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that frequent PSA testing in areas with high incidence rates results in lower prostate cancer mortality. However, this is offset by increased risk of overtreatment, which can lead to side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a silicon chip that can bend light waves electronically, eliminating the need for bulky optics. This technology allows for rapid image projection with a single laser diode and no mechanically moving parts.
Researchers at Boston College manipulate a compound of strontium, iridium and oxygen into the metallic regime by substituting ruthenium metal ions. Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals the emergence of charge carriers, forming minute metallic puddles that coalesce to form a metal across which charges freely flow.
The team is determining the long-term fate of chemicals in drinking water distribution systems and the environment. They are also evaluating interactions between MCHM and plastic pipes and epoxy liners, which will help determine long-term remediation measures.
A team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University has identified a severe genetic disease affecting Moroccan Jews, characterized by brain atrophy and mental retardation. The disease, PCCA2, is caused by two mutations in the VPS53 gene and can be eradicated through carrier testing.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has used mathematical modeling to better understand the mechanisms involved in traumatic brain injuries. Their findings reveal that rapid impacts can cause permanent damage due to the rate of stretching, not just the force applied.
A new clinical study found that erlotinib significantly improved treatment outcomes for women with locally advanced cervical cancer. After two years, 91.7% of patients were alive and experienced no disease progression.
Research by the USDA Forest Service finds that woodland salamander predation on invertebrates increases litter retention and carbon capture. The study, led by Dr. Hartwell Welsh Jr., suggests that these small animals play a significant role in regulating forest ecosystems.
University of Washington researchers develop two-dimensional, flexible semiconductors to build the thinnest-known LED, only three atoms thick yet mechanically strong. The LED can be used in a wide range of applications, including lighting and optical communication, offering high energy efficiency and miniaturization possibilities.