Dr. Timothy J. Bartness, a world-renowned obesity researcher, has been awarded a five-year, $2.5 million MERIT grant to investigate lipolysis and thermogenesis in specialized fat cells. His research aims to understand the bidirectional communication between fat and the brain, which is thought to control body fat breakdown and metabolism.
A new study found that college students are more likely to initiate hookah tobacco smoking if they have a 'relaxing, fun' image of the behavior. Educational campaigns may be more successful by countering positive perceptions and making hookah use less socially acceptable.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is establishing 13 new Research Training Groups to support early career researchers, including projects on quantum many-body methods and metrology for complex nanosystems. The groups will receive four and a half years of funding, bringing the total number of RTGs funded by DFG to 208.
Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have developed a new type of lithium ion conductor that could lead to the creation of solid-state batteries. The breakthrough uses rock salt Lithium Borohydride (LiBH4) and achieves stable Li+ ion conduction at room temperature.
Researchers have developed a new method using terahertz reflectometry to measure the thickness of paint layers and analyze particles embedded in them. This technique can help identify old toxic paint containing lead and analyze artifacts without damaging them.
The management of Euro 2012 Football Championships provides valuable lessons for future sporting mass gatherings in terms of safety and wellbeing. Organisers can learn from their experiences by sharing them through international networks, enabling better planning for future events.
Research found that disease-causing bacteria like MRSA and E. coli can linger on airplane surfaces for up to a week, surviving environmental conditions and human touch. The study aims to explore effective cleaning and disinfection strategies to reduce the persistence of these pathogens in passenger aircraft cabins.
Researchers propose a new aerothermoelastic analysis method for hypersonic flight vehicles, combining two-way coupling and unified hypersonic lifting surface theory. The method considers thermal conduction and structural elastic deformation to improve analytical precision and calculate flutter speed.
Researchers found that despite no major incidents, the biggest challenge was reassuring officials, media, and public about absent health threats. Enhanced surveillance systems are needed to detect and respond quickly, especially for large international events.
Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant approved for use about 15 years ago, appears to mimic the ability of dietary restriction in helping animals live both longer and healthier. New research identifies why rapamycin increases insulin resistance and suggests a combination with metformin may provide benefits without unwanted side effects.
A molecular compound developed by Saint Louis University scientists has restored learning, memory, and appropriate behavior in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The compound also reduced inflammation in the brain responsible for learning and memory.
Researchers re-examined data from the Sleep Heart Health Study and found a significant association between OSA and ischemic stroke, with equal risk among men and women. The study suggests that women are equally susceptible to the vascular effects of OSA.
A new species of praying mantis, the tiny bush tiger mantis, has been discovered in Rwanda's Nyungwe National Park. The species was found to have unique hunting practices, with females adapting for close-range prey capture.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that First Nations people are less likely to receive guideline-recommended coronary angiography after a heart attack. This disparity results in poorer long-term survival rates for this population, highlighting the need for improved access to cardiovascular care.
A research team analyzed centipede venom protein and peptide sequences to catalog, categorize, and reconstruct their evolutionary histories. They identified 60 unique venom protein and peptide families from just five species investigated, including 11 new protein families showcasing novel centipede venom ways.
A University of Pennsylvania team has identified a promising new target for gum disease treatment: the complement component C3. Treating monkeys with a C3 inhibitor successfully prevented periodontitis-related inflammation and bone loss, suggesting this could be a promising drug option for humans.
A study published in Circulation found that primary care providers who participated in an online game to solve clinical cases about hypertension management improved their patients' blood pressure control. The game reduced the time to reach target blood pressure values by 142 days compared to those whose clinicians read a static posting.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society found that couples with high cholesterol levels took longer to conceive a child. The study examined the rate of pregnancies among 501 heterosexual couples trying to conceive and found that those with high cholesterol levels had significantly lower fecundity rates.
Researchers found pregnant women exhibit stronger physiological responses to music, particularly in blood pressure, compared to non-pregnant counterparts. Music appears to have a prenatal conditioning effect on the fetus, influencing heart rate and movement patterns.
According to a University of Michigan poll, parents of overweight children are more likely to give schools failing grades (D or F) for obesity-related efforts. Parents were twice as likely to fail the school on opportunities for physical activity and much more likely to give a failing grade for nutrition education than parents without ...
A new strategy to quickly screen whole libraries of compounds has been developed to find elicitors that turn on silent gene clusters. Two silent gene clusters were successfully activated, leading to the discovery of a new metabolite.
The first termite genome has been published, revealing new insights into the molecular underpinning of complex societies in termites. The study found expanded gene families involved in spermatogenesis and a different repertoire of chemoreceptor genes compared to other insect genomes.
Researchers eliminate a potential speed bump in quantum computing by showing that local symmetries are sufficient for fast searches. Global symmetry is not required for the quantum speedup, contrary to intuition.
A study reveals that bottom trawling causes intensive biological desertification of sedimentary seabed ecosystems, leading to a 50% decrease in meiofauna abundance and 25% decline in nematode species. The practice also depletes organic matter and carbon content, threatening ecosystem functioning.
The Detroit Lions' new model of corporate social responsibility emphasizes deeper relationships with a small core group of community nonprofits and organizations. The team's giving strategy focuses on two areas of greatest need in Detroit: health and wellness and community development.
A large cohort study found that universal strategies to prevent obesity, regardless of genetic risk, are more effective in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles to minimize excess weight, particularly among younger and leaner individuals.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a reliable, ultra-high-speed nanomotor that can convert electrical energy into mechanical motion. The nanomotor can rapidly mix and pump biochemicals and move through liquids, which is important for future applications in drug delivery and cancer treatment.
Recent studies on transmissible influenza strains in mammals raise ethical concerns about the risks of accidental release. Researchers argue that alternative approaches using sequence analysis and molecular-dynamics modeling can generate results with similar public health benefits while minimizing risks.
Researchers found that treating cystic fibrosis patients with interferon gamma (IFN-γ) enhanced autophagy and cleared the lethal bacterial infection Burkholderia cenocepacia. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with CF who are resistant to traditional antibiotics.
The Skunk Fire, sparked by a lightning strike on April 19, continues to burn across Arizona. The fire has reached 44% containment and is forecasted to be fully contained by May 23. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service predicts hot temperatures and strong southwest winds.
Researchers found that 69% of healthy Americans are infected with one or more of 109 HPV strains, most of which appear harmless. The study highlights the complexities of the HPV viral biome and the need for broader diagnostic tests to accurately assess infection status.
A national survey found that many Americans are concerned about planning for long-term care, but few have made arrangements. The study highlights the need for improved support systems to meet aging and long-term care needs.
Researchers found that clinicians playing an online game lowered their patients' blood pressure to target levels in 142 days, compared to 148 days for those who received traditional online posting information. The game used spaced education, a technique that engages learners and translates evidence-based guidelines into practice.
The first PCR Innovation Day brought together key stakeholders to address unmet clinical needs in interventional cardiovascular medicine. This event provided an opportunity for physicians, inventors, and entrepreneurs to network and discuss innovative technologies.
Researchers engineered a bacterial toxin to attach to tumour cells, forcing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer. The engineered toxin significantly reduced human colon cancer tumours in mice with minimal metastasis.
A recent study found that antibiotics were prescribed at a high rate for acute bronchitis in the US between 1996 and 2010, contrary to guidelines. The rate of antibiotic prescribing increased significantly during this time period, from 60-80% in the early 2000s to 71% by 2010.
Research at the University of Granada shows that fossils can be used to study cyclical paleoenvironmental changes with varying time scales. The study characterizes irregular cycles lasting from less than a day to over a million years, revealing patterns in extinction events and ecological responses.
A study led by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher William C. McGaghie found that simulation techniques like lifelike mannequins and computer systems enhance clinical skills and lead to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and improved quality of surgical care
Researchers developed 3D models of an ant's neck anatomy to study its biomechanics and determine the relationship between mechanical function, structural design, and material properties. The results revealed that the ant's neck joint can withstand loads of up to 5,000 times its body weight.
Researchers predict a large blue-green algae bloom in Lake Erie this summer due to increased precipitation and runoff, posing risks to tourism and fisheries. Additionally, an El Niño is forecasted for the Pacific later this year, leading to a very dry 2015 in Ohio.
A study found that individuals with alcohol dependence exhibit pronounced executive control deficits, which are strongly correlated with duration of addiction and number of detoxification treatments. Executive control networks were impaired, while alerting and orienting networks showed preserved functioning.
A UofL research team led by Valerie Lander McCarthy proposes a new definition of successful aging that goes beyond traditional measures of physical and cognitive function. The concept emphasizes the importance of coping with challenges, maintaining social connections, and finding meaning in life.
A survey by Xiaojing Sheng and Penny Simpson found that reading privacy policies can lead to decreased trust in providers, with over a quarter of respondents citing complexity as the main reason for not reading them. Almost one third of respondents expressed concern about their private information being shared or sold.
Water molecules were successfully trapped inside fullerene spheres (buckyballs) to study spin isomers, with 70-90% filled cages observed. The results show a second-order rate law in spin conversion, highlighting the importance of molecular interactions.
A new study suggests that reducing medical resident duty hours in Canada may have unforeseen consequences, including the need for a longer residency period or a shift towards competency-based training. The study's author argues that residents' work hours must be carefully managed to ensure both patient safety and resident well-being.
A recent NIH study found that high cholesterol levels may impair fertility in couples trying to achieve a pregnancy. Couples with the highest cholesterol levels took longer to get pregnant, while those with acceptable cholesterol levels had faster conception rates.
A new Concordia University research reveals that companies can reduce disposal costs and boost revenues by reprocessing and selling waste to other firms. The practice of industrial symbiosis has been found to create significant economic, environmental and societal value, according to researcher Raymond Paquin.
Researchers found that shrubs on Campbell Island experience decreased growth when winter temperatures fluctuate between cold and warm enough for growth. This is due to the depletion of resources for photosynthesis during the winter.
Researchers used a new method to analyze 17,549 vehicle burglaries from 2004 to 2009, finding links between socioeconomic and physical environments. The study identified factors associated with increased and decreased burglary rates, providing insights for law enforcement and local communities.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming protein at each meal can promote optimal muscle growth and maintenance. Researchers discovered that evenly distributing protein throughout the day is crucial for maximizing muscle synthesis rates, whereas a skewed distribution pattern may lead to suboptimal results.
Research by Swedish and US researchers reveals that mothers who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low Apgar scores, indicating an oxygen deficit at birth. The study suggests that preventing women from becoming overweight or obese during reproductive age could improve perinatal health.
A study published in Pain journal found a genetic link between four common chronic pain syndromes, including IBS, musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, and dry eye disease. The research team analyzed over 8,000 twin pairs and concluded that each of the conditions is heritable, with a common genetic pathway estimated to be 66% heritable.
A study shows that strains from Southern Europe can grow better in Northern Europe than established local varieties due to rapid climate change. This suggests that the adaptive optimum has moved quickly, with southern imports performing better across different locations.
A newly discovered gene called Samd4 plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, with abnormal distribution of fat and diminished insulin responses observed in the lean 'Supermodel' mouse. The study provides new potential avenues for research into diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Researchers at Penn State have identified a pine bark substance, leelamine, that can simultaneously target multiple protein pathways in melanoma cells, shutting down their survival communication and leading to cell death. This unique approach may address the issue of resistance to current melanoma drugs.
A new study finds that immigration before adolescence can lead to risky behavior, but cultural values are less solidified. Hispanic immigrants have lower rates of alcohol- and drug-related problems than U.S.-born counterparts.
The team of researchers used innovative simulation methods to gain a deeper understanding of finite-size corrections in interfacial tension calculations. Their work will enable more accurate predictions and help analyze interfacial tension with high precision using simulations.
A seven-year study of nearly 900 middle-aged overweight women found that physical activity reduced the risk of developing heart disease. Low-to-moderate physical activity was the only lifestyle factor that protected these women from becoming at-risk for heart disease.
A new series published in The Lancet reveals that almost all newborn and stillborn babies who die every year enter the world without official recognition, resulting in slower progress in reducing mortality rates. The research sets targets to be achieved by 2030 to ensure every newborn has a healthy start.
Researchers studied CA-MRSA transmission and survival on commonly touched items, revealing the bacteria's ability to survive on porous objects like towels. The findings suggest these surfaces are important in spreading the virulent bacteria.