Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, a comprehensive pedagogical text, has been recognized with the 2014 Most Promising New Textbook Award. The award acknowledges the book's innovative approach to introducing research methods, integrating statistical analyses and real-world examples.
A new RAND Corporation report assesses value-based purchasing programs and finds mixed results on improving quality and reducing costs. Newer payment models like ACOs and bundled payments face challenges in designing strong financial incentives for change.
A new study found that carotid artery MRI can accurately predict future cardiovascular events, including strokes and heart attacks, in people without a history of cardiovascular disease. The presence of a lipid core in the internal carotid artery was significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent events.
A recent study on the Save Darfur Cause on Facebook found that only a small percentage of members donated or recruited others, despite the campaign's large online presence. Meanwhile, those who joined independently were more likely to engage in activism, highlighting the potential for individual actions to drive collective change.
A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that eating fish comparable to those in Japan may ward off heart disease due to high omega-3 fatty acid intake. The study tracked nearly 300 men for five years, finding a significant protective effect against coronary artery calcification.
Tropical Cyclone Kofi was captured by NASA's Terra satellite on March 3 as it became an extra-tropical storm. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument showed good circulation despite the storm's transitioning phase.
Clemson University has received a $5.3 million NSF grant to create a national network of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Research and Education Facilitators. The project aims to empower local campus researchers to effectively use advanced cyberinfrastructure, particularly those in the 'long tail' of users.
A study published in JAMA found that a program designed to move families out of high-poverty neighborhoods had reduced rates of depression and conduct disorder among girls, but increased rates among boys. The study suggests sex differences in the effects of housing mobility on mental health outcomes.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully converted patient skin cells into human brain cells, offering a new model for studying and developing treatments for early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found that preventing amyloid-beta imbalances can reduce levels of distorted tau protein.
Patients receiving nivolumab survived for an average of 16.8 months, with 62% alive one year after treatment initiation and 43% alive two years later. The drug also shrank tumors in 31% of patients, with some able to remain on the treatment for up to two years.
Researchers created temperature maps to study how RIP bands influence cigarette burn rate and chemical composition. Temperature differences were found between RIP and regular cigarettes, potentially affecting PAH levels.
Research finds that chemotherapy induces epigenetic changes in breast cancer patients' blood cells, leading to inflammation and symptoms like fatigue. The study identifies eight sites of methylation altered by chemotherapy, correlating with increased inflammatory signaling proteins.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers for acute kidney injury (AKI) in urine, allowing for earlier detection and treatment. The markers, TIMP-2 and IGFBP7, were validated using clinical adjudication and tested in independent labs.
The e-Care study found that secure online access to a dietitian increased patient satisfaction and weight loss in overweight patients with hypertension. Patients reported improved blood pressure and heart risk trended lower, but differences were not significant.
A major winter storm brought snow and freezing rain to the US east coast on March 2-3, with data from NOAA's GOES-East satellite compiled into a video by NASA. The storm's movement was tracked using MODIS instrument data, providing a clear picture of its path.
A study found that a lower ratio between the length of the index and ring fingers is associated with a higher risk of developing severe osteoarthritis in the knees. This association was stronger for total knee replacements than hip replacements, suggesting hormonal influences may play a role.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new method of light-matter interaction analysis, which appears to be a good way of helping make better semiconductor nanowires. The technique uses Rayleigh scattering to probe band structures and electron-hole dynamics in single indium phosphide nanowires.
A new study published in JAMA Network found that the opening of a casino is associated with a lower rate of overweight children in the surrounding community. The study analyzed data from 117 school districts in California and found that every 1 casino slot per capita gained was linked to an increase in average per capita annual income,...
A randomized trial in India found that community-based care led by lay health workers was more effective than standard facility-based care in reducing disability and psychotic symptoms, with patients almost three times more likely to continue taking their antipsychotic medication. However, costs were higher in the intervention group.
The study reveals that UCP2 is involved in increased metabolism in embryonic stem cells and cancer cells, while UCP4 is associated with nerve cell metabolism. The findings suggest that UCP proteins can be used to detect diseases at an early stage, such as cancer and neurodegenerative illnesses.
A Phase I study of a combination ARV vaginal ring found the ring safe and effective in preventing HIV infection, with dapivirine showing promising results. However, maraviroc, the first entry inhibitor tested as a microbicide, was not as effective and requires further development.
A study published in the European Heart Journal reveals a nearly fivefold increased risk for heart attack in the two hours following an angry outburst. The researchers found that patients with cardiovascular events were more likely to have experienced anger immediately prior to the event.
Research finds that HIV transmissions within communities are often facilitated by sexual contact with partners from outside the community. The study, conducted in Uganda, analyzed data from 46 communities and found that most new infections occur through sex with an outsider.
A collaborative study by McGill University researchers found that cortical thickness is linked to changes in full-scale IQ, contradicting earlier assumptions. The study discovered significant increases or decreases in IQ were associated with exaggerated or normal cortical thinning, respectively.
Researchers discovered a significant correlation between exposure to Mexican drug war violence and anxiety symptoms on social media. Citizens' posts showed decreased levels of negative affect after prolonged exposure to violence, highlighting the desensitization effect.
New research confirms Arctic ice trends show a five-day per decade increase in the length of the melt season, with implications for climate change tracking and shipping. The study's findings also highlight the importance of understanding Arctic sea ice feedback mechanisms.
A recent study analyzed nearly 24,000 active human research clinical trials and found that 5-16% are not covered by two major federal regulations. The primary federal human subjects protections policies in the US include FDA HSP regulations and the Common Rule, which can lead to overlap trials and gap trials with varying characteristics.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute develop new probes to detect functional, normally folded, and disease-associated misfolded conformations of proteins in cells. The technology paves the way for discovering new drugs for misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a novel therapeutic approach called optokinetic stimulation therapy (OKS) that has been shown to improve perception of sounds and images in stroke patients. After undergoing OKS therapy, patients were able to better perceive people, objects, and spatial orientation.
Two studies suggest that low protein intake may be beneficial for longevity until old age, while high-protein diets are associated with increased cancer risk and mortality. High-quality protein with low fat and complex carbohydrates is recommended for optimal health and long life.
A new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine reveals that canned foods deliver on nutrition and cost, making them a high-quality option for Americans to meet their dietary needs. Canned fruits and vegetables provide great tasting, safe options, with no sacrifices in nutritional quality.
Researchers at the University of Basel successfully pulled isolated molecular chains from a gold surface using atomic force microscopy. The experiment revealed the detachment force and binding energy of molecules, providing new insights into the mechanical behavior of single polymers.
Two studies found that homosexuals and bisexuals are more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence, with a risk compounded by childhood abuse. Non-heterosexual victims were also more likely to experience substance abuse and health issues compared to heterosexual victims.
A research team developed an adjuvant that optimizes lentivirus gene transfer by enhancing virus attachment to target cells, resulting in a three-fold increase in transduction rate. This improvement reduces the need for additional viruses, potentially leading to more effective treatments for genetic disorders.
The spiral galaxy ESO 137-001 is zooming through the Norma cluster at nearly 4.5 million miles per hour, stripping gas from its home and forming new stars in intergalactic space. Astronomers hope that studying this galaxy can help them understand how galaxies form stars and evolve over time.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a zero-dimensional quantum dot structure that can confine electronic excitations within semiconductor nanowires. This discovery has significant implications for harnessing solar energy, creating stronger lasers, and developing more sensitive medical diagnostic devices.
A recent study found that warfarin treatment is associated with a lower risk of death, heart attack, or stroke without an increased risk of bleeding for patients with established cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation. The study included over 24,000 patients with kidney function measured through serum creatinine levels.
A multi-institutional team, led by Rachel Whitaker, studies host-viral interactions to understand how viruses can protect hosts from competitors and aid in survival. The research aims to develop a theoretical model of eco-evolutionary dynamics between viruses and microbes.
A new study found that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to become obese and sedentary teenagers. The research followed almost 7000 children in Finland and found those with ADHD symptoms at age eight had significantly higher odds of being obese at age 16.
Research suggests that terminally ill cancer patients who receive chemotherapy in the last months of life are more likely to undergo intensive medical care and die in an intensive care unit. The study highlights the importance of end-of-life discussions between patients and physicians.
A recent study revisits the phenomenon of 'gaydar' in women, finding that lesbians are better at detecting sexual orientation, while straight women excel at identifying emotions and thoughts. The research also highlights differences in judgments between lesbian and straight judges.
Brandeis University researchers have identified the correct structure of a potassium ion channel in heart cells, challenging previous studies that suggested varying numbers of proteins were required. The findings have significant implications for understanding arrhythmias and developing effective treatments.
A recent analysis found that frequent experiences of racism were associated with a higher risk of obesity among African American women. Women who reported consistently high experiences of racism over a 12-year period were 69% more likely to become obese compared to those in the lowest category.
Research at Umeå University and University of Antwerp found that alien plants successfully penetrate alpine vegetation in subarctic mountain areas. Human transportation on roads and walking tracks facilitates their invasion. Climate warming also contributes to the success of introduced species.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that a small region within the amygdala in bats is responsible for producing emotional calls and sounds. This finding may lead to new treatments for malfunctions in emotional responses, such as pathological aggression.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a set of genes that can be turned back on to evade immune detection in ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancer. Reversing these epigenetic changes with an FDA-approved drug allows cancer cells to become more vulnerable to immune therapy, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
A team of Swedish researchers led by Professor Mats Brännström have successfully performed nine uterus transplants using live donors, a breakthrough in treating uterine infertility. The transplants involved five mother-daughter pairs and four close relatives, with no blood transfusions required during surgery.
A national study of Taiwanese youth found that adolescents who start having sex at a young age tend to exhibit externalizing problems like rule-breaking and aggressive behavior. This is especially true for females and those with same-sex partners.
A study found that exposure to passive smoke in childhood causes direct and irreversible damage to the structure of children's arteries. Children exposed to both parents' smoking have thicker artery walls, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. The study supports banning smoking in cars where young people are present.
Researchers have found a link between prostate cancer aggressiveness and cholesteryl ester accumulation, suggesting new diagnostic and treatment methods. The study also shows that drugs previously developed to treat atherosclerosis might be repurposed for advanced prostate cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have created working nerve cells from horse stem cells, paving the way for cell therapies targeting neurological conditions. The breakthrough could also benefit horses affected by grass sickness, a previously untreatable condition.
Astronomers have developed a new method to gauge exoplanet pressure by detecting dimer molecules. This technique may also help identify biosignatures of life in extraterrestrial atmospheres. The discovery could be made possible with future powerful telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope.
Tropical cyclone Faxai reached typhoon strength with maximum sustained winds near 65 knots/74.8 mph on March 4. The NASA Aqua satellite captured an image of the storm, showing tightly wrapped bands of thunderstorms around its center. Forecasters predict Faxai will maintain typhoon strength for a day before weakening.
A team of researchers used computer simulations to study the aerodynamics of flying snakes, discovering that whirls of wind surrounding the snake's body provide an extra boost of lift. This unique shape helps the snake glide efficiently through the air, making it a fascinating example of nature's efficient design.
Researchers analyzed data from the VOICE trial and found that women using injectable contraceptive DMPA were more likely to acquire HIV than those using NET-EN. The study also showed a significant difference in HIV risk between DMPA and NET-EN users, particularly among HSV-2 positive women.
Scientists have discovered a molecular 'switch' that regulates heart cell division and could potentially be used to regenerate damaged heart tissue. The discovery was made by studying infant siblings with a rare heart defect, who exhibited unusual heart cell proliferation.
Eating a diet rich in animal proteins during middle age may be as deadly as smoking, according to a new study. High-protein diets were linked to a dramatic rise in cancer mortality and an increased risk of early death.
Cornell research reveals that natural enemies like ladybeetles can delay pest resistance to Bt crops, reducing the need for multiple genes and refuge plants. This finding supports the use of Bt crops in agriculture while minimizing pesticide usage.
The New Guinea flatworm, considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species, has been found in France for the first time. The flatworm was identified by molecular analysis and is capable of consuming European snails and other soil-dwelling species.
Researchers have discovered a plant-based compound that targets the root cause of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder causing muscle wastage and weakness in infants. Quercetin has shown promise in tests on zebra fish, mice, and fruit flies, offering a potential treatment option for early stages of the disease.