A study by Changcheng Zhou and colleagues found that IKKβ deficiency in smooth muscle cells decreases vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, while also blocking fat cell differentiation. This suggests a novel therapeutic target for treating obesity, atherosclerosis, and metabolic disorders.
An international team has completed the first mapping of virtually all global glaciers, including their locations and sizes. The 198,000 mapped glaciers will contribute significantly to rising seas over the coming decades as temperatures rise.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that adults with a parent who abused alcohol are 85% more likely to attempt suicide. Having divorced parents also increases the risk of suicide attempts by 14%. However, combining divorce and parental alcohol abuse does not increase suicide risk.
A transgenic mouse model was created with the K141N mutation in HSPB8 to study Chinese Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2L. The mice exhibited decreased muscle strength and impaired motor coordination, but not sensory disturbance. Pathological analysis revealed reduced myelinated fiber density and axonal damage.
People with exploding head syndrome typically hear abrupt noises like door slams or gunshots as they fall asleep. The episodes can be frightening and are often accompanied by anxiety and daytime sleepiness.
Researchers will compare connectivity changes between Lumosity training and active control groups, using fMRI sessions and cognitive assessments. The goal is to identify functional changes in the healthy adult brain that result from cognitive training and relate to improved cognitive performance.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry finds that a genetic variant in the WWC1 gene may confer protection against age-related memory decline. Individuals carrying the T allele performed better on memory tasks and showed more active engagement in the hippocampus, a vital brain region for memory, with increasing age.
Cigarette butts are a significant source of pollution worldwide, containing toxins and carcinogens found in cigarettes. A proposed policy includes banning filtered cigarettes, implementing a deposit-return scheme for used butts, and holding manufacturers responsible for clean-ups.
A GW researcher advocates for a sustainable approach to controlling soil-transmitted helminths (STH), proposing the use of biogas technology to provide sanitation, parasite control, and energy supply. This grassroots solution offers cost-effectiveness and community-driven development in underdeveloped areas.
Climate change impacts vary widely across Africa, with specific regions at high risk due to drought and flooding. The study identifies hotspots in Sudan, Ethiopia, Lake Victoria, and South Africa, requiring adaptive measures to mitigate damage.
The Randolph Glacier Inventory is a globally complete map of glaciers, covering over 730,000 km2 with a total volume of about 170,000 km3. The new inventory provides unprecedented accuracy for studying the impacts of climate change on glaciers worldwide.
The study found that AMPK and inflammatory cytokines play a significant role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction. AMPK regulates tau protein phosphorylation, reducing amyloidogenesis in neurons.
Research found that snacking frequency and diet quality differ by age in schoolchildren, with younger kids benefiting from snacks and teens negatively affected. Nutrient-rich snacks can be a key to improving diet quality in children, especially as they enter adolescence.
Researchers found that yawning frequencies vary with ambient temperature, with people yawns more in summer and less in winter. The study suggests that yawning functions as a brain cooling mechanism to maintain optimal brain temperature, improving arousal and mental efficiency.
A new Cornell study reveals that tofu lovers perceive it as a convenient and filling source of light protein. However, non-users had misconceptions about its cost and cooking difficulties. Correcting these misconceptions through price information, simple recipes, and 'cooks like chicken' messaging increased the likelihood of purchase.
A study found that dinosaurs showed rapid rates of body size evolution in early forms, but these slowed down over time. However, the evolutionary line leading to birds continued to change size at this rate for 170 million years, producing new ecological diversity not seen in other dinosaurs.
Rice University researchers have developed a tunable virus that can target and destroy cancer cells by unlocking only in the presence of two selected proteases. The virus uses peptides to lock its capsid, which is then unlocked by specific enzymes, allowing it to bind to diseased cells.
Researchers found that the magnetic field of a neutron star takes on a stable structure and evolution slows down, challenging previous theoretical models. The discovery could help scientists measure neutron star properties and gain insights into matter at extreme densities.
University of Toronto researchers have found that the 'Jesus in toast' phenomenon is a result of physical causes and human brain's unique wiring. The study suggests that people can see images such as faces or words due to expectations and brain activation, revealing the role of frontal cortex in visual perception.
A University of Washington researcher found that a 20-minute conversation with a social worker can significantly reduce functional decline in patients with mild traumatic brain injuries. Social workers can provide education, coping strategies, resources, and follow-up care to help patients recover from these types of injuries.
Researchers challenge FIFA and Brazilian government to protect the critically endangered Caatinga ecosystem and its iconic species, the three-banded armadillo. The authors suggest promoting eco-friendly stadiums and instituting conservation plans for the armadillo's habitat.
A review of 37 studies found evidence of racist beliefs and practices among healthcare providers, including negative perceptions of black patients' intelligence and compliance with medical advice.
A study found that pregnant women who watched TV during meals were five times more likely to expose their infants to TV during feeding. Younger mothers and those not exclusively breastfeeding also faced this increased risk. The study suggests that reducing mealtime TV viewing during pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity.
A simple bird scaring line, costing $200, can significantly reduce seabird mortality rates, particularly for albatrosses. The study found a 95% reduction in albatross deaths and a 73-95% lower mortality rate with the introduction of bird scaring lines.
Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have made a breakthrough in understanding cell reprogramming by identifying the crucial role of the Wnt signaling pathway. By inhibiting this pathway, they increased the efficiency of the process and obtained more pluripotent cells.
A new study finds that sports drink and energy drink consumption among adolescents is associated with higher levels of screen media use and cigarette smoking. The study suggests that these sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to a clustering of unhealthy behaviors, including increased physical inactivity.
Researchers estimate that mass vaccination campaigns have reduced yellow fever cases and deaths across Africa by 27%. The campaigns have led to a substantial decrease in the disease's burden, with higher reductions in some countries targeted by vaccination efforts.
A study published in Radiology found that males with concussions took an average of 66.9 days to recover, compared to 26.3 days for females. DTI scans revealed abnormalities in the white matter tract UF, which correlated with recovery time and was a stronger predictor than initial symptom severity.
A new analysis of data from two independent studies shows that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) administered with the NeuroStar TMS Therapy System resulted in greater symptom improvement than conventional antidepressant medication among patients with Major Depressive Disorder who failed to benefit from prior treatment. Additiona...
Researchers pinpointed five subgroups of adolescents most susceptible to specific risk factors for delinquency. The largest subgroup, accounting for 60%, was influenced by peer pressure, while the smallest, at 1%, had no identifiable risk factors despite committing high numbers of acts of delinquency.
Astronomers have found the closest, second-brightest hypervelocity star, speeding at 1 million mph. The star probes the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center and the halo of mysterious dark matter, providing insights into the galaxy's structure.
Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered that chimpanzees exhibit similar personality traits to humans, including dominance and extraversion. The study's findings suggest a neurobiological basis for these traits, which vary according to biological sex, echoing the five-factor model of human personality.
Researchers explore how fluctuating sea levels impacted the Galapagos Islands' ecology over thousands of years. The study reveals that shallow 'land bridges' between volcanic outcroppings allowed landlocked species like snakes, geckos, and iguanas to thrive.
Research by Robert A. Moffitt found that US welfare spending rose 74% since 1975, but aid to the neediest single parent families with low earnings decreased by 35%. Meanwhile, aid increased for those earning slightly more, while programs benefiting seniors and disabled individuals expanded.
Cognitive radio technology could make wireless communications 10 times faster by identifying and using unused radio spectrum, reducing congestion and energy waste. Researchers at the University at Buffalo are developing this technology with a $2.72 million Air Force grant.
Researchers from GEOMAR and King Abdulaziz University have made new findings on the formation of the Red Sea. The study reveals that the ocean's emergence occurred through a series of smaller fracture zones, which suggests that the Red Sea is not an exception to the general process of plate tectonics.
A new benchtop semiconductor sequencing procedure and bioinformatics software tools can detect multiple types of chromosomal abnormalities with high sensitivity and specificity. The noninvasive method uses cell-free fetal DNA and is faster, cheaper, and safer than current procedures.
A new study re-describes the oldest species of dolphin, Eodelphis kabatensis, shedding light on their origins and evolution. The discovery resolves a discrepancy between fossil records and molecular-based studies, providing crucial insights into the evolutionary history of dolphins.
The GW Cancer Institute has received a $100,000 grant from the Avon Foundation to support a patient navigator. The patient navigator will help remove barriers and coordinate access to care for over 1,000 patients with breast cancer in the Washington D.C. area.
A study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that chlorogenic acid in coffee may prevent retinal degeneration due to oxidative stress. Regular coffee consumption could potentially protect against eye diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
A study published in mBio found an unusual avian influenza virus in Adçie penguins from Antarctica, which is distinct from other circulating flu viruses. The virus was detected in adult and chick samples, and its genetic material showed high similarity to North American avian lineage viruses from the 1960s-80s.
Research published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition found that patients who received glutamine supplements had a significantly higher mortality rate than those who did not. The study involved over 1,200 patients across 40 ICUs in North America and Europe.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new thermoelectric material that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 300 degrees Celsius. The discovery could be important for clean energy research and commercialization, potentially increasing efficiency by up t...
A new analysis tool, BotOrNot, can identify whether a Twitter account is operated by a human or an automated social bot. The tool analyzes over 1,000 features from a user's friendship network, content, and temporal information to calculate the likelihood of a bot-controlled account.
Research found that snacking on high-fat and high-sugar foods increases intrahepatic triglyceride content and belly fat, but not with larger meal size. The study suggests cutting down on snacking may reduce the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Exosomes secreted by cardiac stem cells carry messages that reduce cell death, promote growth of new heart muscle cells and encourage development of healthy blood vessels. The researchers pinpointed one microRNA as responsible for some of the benefits, suggesting it may be an attractive alternative to living-cell transplantation.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for prioritizing and implementing strategies to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs), which are the most common and costly HAI in the US. Implementing these strategies can help prevent up to 60% of SSIs, reducing healthcare expenditures by at least $3.5 billion annually.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines prioritizing strategies to reduce the prevalence of Clostridium difficile in healthcare settings. These recommendations emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, including antimicrobial use stewardship, contact precautions, and hand hygiene protocols.
A University of Illinois study found that dividing household tasks affects marital satisfaction mainly for wives, with equal sharing linked to happiness. Couples with similar expectations and behaviors are more satisfied, highlighting the importance of open communication in managing household labor.
A study found that birds underwent rapid body size changes to exploit new ecological niches, while other dinosaur lineages stagnated. The team estimated the body mass of 426 species using leg bone thickness, revealing a prolonged period of high evolutionary rates in the lineage leading to birds.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a new protein, BiP, associated with the neurological disorder dystonia. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggests that modulating BiP could lead to effective treatments for dystonia.
A new machine perfusion system has been developed to increase the supply and quality of donor organs for liver transplantation. The system preserves metabolic function, preconditioning the liver before transplantation. Key findings include improved organ viability and reduced tissue damage.
A study of home food environments found that while fruits and vegetables were plentiful, preparation methods and availability of high-calorie foods contributed to obesity. The study also highlighted the challenges of eating healthy in front of the TV.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a protein molecule that slows the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, a deadly lung disease. The protein, LYCAT, is found to be protective and may boost survival rates in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
A study analyzing US presidential State of the Union addresses from 1790 to 2012 reveals a significant increase in egotism over the past century. Characteristics related to self-interest have consistently risen since the early 20th century, peaking after economic booms and declining during times of economic crisis.
Researchers found that a 'treat and extend' strategy can reduce the average number of visits and injections from 12 to 8.3 times per year for patients with age-related macular degeneration. This approach could lower the financial burdens on patients, families, and government.
Researchers have found that graphene's thermal conductivity increases with the number of layers, but still falls short of idealized values. The team is exploring novel ways to support graphene, including three-dimensional interconnected foam structures and hexagonal boron nitride.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that black male incarceration has compromised research studies on health outcomes, leading to a significant loss of follow-up data. The study estimated that high incarceration rates among black men may have accounted for up to 65% of the loss of follow-up among this group.
A comprehensive review found that improved water sources in low- and middle-income countries often contain fecal contamination. The study's findings suggest a large proportion of the world's population uses unsafe water, highlighting the need for alternative indicators of safe water.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed highly absorbent nanocellulose sponges that can absorb up to 50 times their own weight of oil. These sponges, known as 'silylated' nanocellulose sponges, also float reliably on water and are biodegradable.
Research finds Danish social workers are embracing a policy that limits their autonomy to provide tailored aid, with primary task of estimating eligibility for early retirement pension. Social workers must consider citizens through a moral lens, weighing individual cases based on resources available.
Researchers found that top-rated health and fitness apps typically use fewer than four behavior-change techniques, with most focusing on instruction, feedback, and goal-setting. The study highlights the need for developers to incorporate more effective techniques in their apps.
A recent study found that low-income communities and WIC participants in Arizona face significant barriers when using cash value vouchers for purchasing nutrient-dense foods. These barriers include negative interactions with cashiers and lack of training, which can lead to frustration and decreased access to healthy food options.
Children with ADHD experience higher rates of trauma than those without ADHD, according to a new study. Researchers found that 17% of children with ADHD had four or more adverse childhood experiences, compared to 6% of children without ADHD.
Researchers developed a way to simplify modeling of 'bistable' systems, involving two evolving species with different timescales. This new approach can accurately predict population dynamics and time to extinction in predator-prey models.
Recent studies published in Childhood Obesity reveal that US childhood obesity rates have not declined as reported by the media, instead showing a concerning trend. A larger cohort of obese 5-year-olds from several years ago is now entering the age of risk for serious metabolic complications.
Researchers used synchrotron-imaging to examine 150-million-year-old predatory dinosaur bones, discovering that many healed injuries were not fatal to humans. The study sheds light on the chemical signatures of bone healing and remodelling strategies in extinct vertebrates.
A study by Royal Holloway University found that pregnant women use the right side of their brain more when processing positive emotions, preparing them to bond with their babies. This increased activity may help new mothers better understand and respond to their baby's emotional expressions.
Research demonstrates a clear link between screen violence and increased aggression in real life, highlighting the importance of minimizing exposure to violent media. Leading pediatricians and researchers will discuss ways to address public health implications of media violence at the Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting.
Retinal glial cell activation is involved in retinal synaptic plasticity following acute high intraocular pressure-induced retinal damage. Inhibiting glial cell activation may be a promising strategy to modulate retinal synaptic plasticity and protect neurons from death.
A team of mathematicians and optometrists developed a mathematical model to better understand the inner workings of tear film distribution over the eye's surface. Their findings suggest that it takes a blink to redistribute tear film, which may aid in the development of better treatments for dry eye disease.
Kevin C. A. Burke, a University of Houston geology professor, has received the 2014 Arthur Holmes Medal for his fundamental contributions to tectonics and Earth evolution. His research focuses on understanding rock structures at the core/mantle boundary and has been recognized internationally.
Researchers investigated the Pael-R gene's involvement in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease model cells using RNA interference. The study found that Pael-R expression decreased after treatment, but apoptosis and survival rates did not differ significantly between groups.
The Abdul Latif Jameel World Water and Food Security Lab will spearhead research to address global water and food scarcity, targeting half a billion people by 2025. MIT faculty from various departments will collaborate across disciplines to develop regionally appropriate solutions.
A recent study reveals that black and Hispanic children with autism are more likely to experience developmental regression, losing language, motor, or social skills. This phenomenon is observed at a rate of 27%, with black children being twice as likely to regress compared to white children.
A new study found that college students are engaging in unhealthy behaviors, including low fruit and vegetable consumption and physical inactivity, which could increase their risk of cancer later on. Racial minority students, particularly African Americans and Native Americans, were at a higher risk.
A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that impulsivity may be a risk factor for food addiction and eating disorders. The research, led by Boston University School of Medicine, found that individuals with impulsive tendencies were more likely to engage in binge eating behavior.
Researchers have isolated and grown breast tissue stem cells in the lab, allowing them to study both breast development and cancer. The study found that CRIPTO and GRP78 are crucial for maintaining stem cell populations, and targeting these proteins could halt or slow cancer growth.
A new NIH-funded study provides evidence that treating children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with long-term low-dose antibiotics reduces the risk of frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Children with VUR who received antibiotics were 50% less likely to develop recurrent UTIs.
Scientists studied the persistence of a hexagon-shaped atmospheric phenomenon on Saturn, which remains constant despite large radiative forcing in its atmosphere. The findings suggest that the hexagon is deeply rooted within Saturn's atmosphere and could reveal the planet's internal rotational period.
Researchers link BMI at age 25 to increased risk of class III obesity after age 35. Current weight is a better indicator of cardiovascular and metabolic risk than duration of obesity.
A new study found that access to electronic health records (EHRs) can significantly impact the interpretation of head CT scans, potentially leading to adverse effects on medical management. In nine percent of cases, EHR data was deemed crucial for accurate diagnosis, highlighting the importance of widespread EHR adoption.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that implementing a uniform method to care for lower-risk cardiac surgical patients reduces hospital time by 15% and lowers overall costs by 15%. The new model sets clear expectations for hospital care, improves patient experiences, and reduces variability in costs and outcomes.
A study found that humans lack knowledge and preparation to actively contact extraterrestrial civilizations. Researchers recommend alternative strategies, promoting cosmic awareness through education.