A systematic review found that computerized cognitive training (CCT) has a small overall effect on performance of cognitive tests, particularly for nonverbal and verbal skills. Training completed under supervision showed positive outcomes, while training alone was ineffective.
The new software analyzes the life-cycle of products and their carbon and water footprint, allowing producers to improve management and reduce environmental impact. The tool provides a web platform for companies to calculate 15 environmental indicators and link their results with improvement guidelines.
Researchers have discovered ferroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis that occurs in various pathological conditions. Ferroptosis inhibitors, such as Liproxstatin-1, offer novel therapeutic opportunities to mitigate diseases previously thought to be untreatable.
A new study by University of Oregon geologist Edward B. Davis and colleagues found that fossil records of five ancient mammalian species point to weaknesses in ecological niche models and hindcasting methods used to predict future animal and plant habitats.
Victor Kac will be awarded the 2015 AMS Steele Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to Lie Theory, a powerful means for extracting simple structures from complicated mathematical objects. His work has had a significant impact in nearly every area of mathematics and physics, particularly in the development of Kac-Moody algebras.
Debora Rodrigues, assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received the Emerging Investigator award from the Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization for her pioneering contributions to sustainable nanotechnology. She was recognized for her outstanding research in water purification and treatment using nanomaterials.
A global surge in ADHD diagnoses is attributed to marketing trends and the increasing use of biological psychiatry, rather than medical needs. The study found that countries with more lax pharmaceutical laws and adoption of American-based diagnostic standards are seeing a rise in ADHD diagnoses.
A new treatment for Marfan syndrome, losartan, has shown comparable effectiveness to the commonly prescribed medication atenolol in managing heart issues. The study found no evidence that losartan is superior to atenolol but offers a reasonable alternative for patients who can't take beta blockers.
Patients with advanced papillary kidney cancer respond well to a combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib, with excellent response rates and long-lasting results. The treatment shows promise for patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) who have poor prognosis.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University found that Neanderthal nasal complexes were not adaptively inferior to those of modern humans. The study suggests competition with Homo sapiens led to their extinction, rather than poor adaptation to cold climate.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered the mechanisms behind 'Mexican waves' in the brain, which play a key role in cognitive function. The study sheds light on how inhibitory neurons use different communication processes to excitatory neurons.
Researchers have developed a new method to sequence Ebola virus genomes, reducing contaminating human RNA from 80% to less than 0.5%. The approach has been proven effective in the rapid sequencing of nearly 100 patient blood samples with a turnaround time of 10 days.
Tropical Cyclone Adjali developed a distinctive 'tail' of thunderstorms extending south of its center, captured by NASA's MODIS instrument on November 18. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted weakening bands of storms spiraling into the low-level center.
Research suggests that spices and herbs, such as cinnamon and garlic, can lower triglyceride levels in the blood, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. The use of high-antioxidant spice blends may be a potential way to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
Researchers found reduced white matter tracts in abstinent alcoholics compared to healthy light drinkers. Chronic drinking may particularly damage frontal white matter tracts, interfering with cognitive and inhibitory control.
Researchers from Drexel University presented various public health topics at the American Public Health Association meeting in 2014. Amy Carroll-Scott's session focused on understanding and building resilience for healthier communities, while Nicole Vaughn's work explored supporting community leaders in high-crime neighborhoods.
A significant increase in life-threatening heart infections has been identified, alongside a notable decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for dental patients. The study, published in The Lancet, reveals 35 extra cases per month in the UK and an 89% fall in prescribed antibiotics.
A recent study of approximately 1,000 healthy men found that those who consumed the most trans fats showed notably worse performance on a word memory test. The strength of the association remained even after taking into consideration things like age, education, ethnicity and depression.
Patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) may be ready for urgent heart surgery sooner than previously thought, according to new research. A combination of appropriate blood screenings and therapeutic plasma exchange can help lower HIT antibody levels quickly.
A new study found that a cellular defense system against protein misfolding can overreact in chronic cases, worsening disease symptoms and reducing therapeutic effectiveness. Inhibiting this response with certain drugs showed promise as a treatment approach.
The new Lab-Corps program aims to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies from national laboratories to the marketplace. The program will partner with five national labs and provide funding, equipment, and expertise to help innovators bring their ideas to market.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic technique using songbird courtship calls to safely map the human brain during complex neurosurgery. The technique, called focal intraoperative cooling, involves cooling specific regions of the brain while patients undergo surgery, reducing surgical risk for epilepsy and brain tumor patients.
Researchers found galeterone to be effective in lowering PSA levels and stabilizing disease in patients with CRPC. The drug showed promising activity against the AR-V7 variant, a mechanism of resistance in this disease.
A new study from the University of Illinois shows that two specific functional fibers may assist in weight loss when made part of a long-term diet. The researchers observed a shift in the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio toward more Bacteroidetes, which has been linked to being leaner, and found modifications in nutrient metabolism.
A new integrated coastal zone management plan has been developed for Belize using novel tools to calculate risk of habitat degradation. The plan reduces high-risk areas by 20% and triples space for coastal development, while allowing for sustainable aquaculture and oil exploration limits.
A new emergency treatment protocol for subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured aneurysms significantly reduces in-hospital rebleeding and improves clinical outcomes. Patients treated under the protocol show a lower incidence of repeated hemorrhage within 24 hours, compared to those treated earlier.
A study at University of Sussex shows that adults can be trained to develop synesthetic experiences, including seeing letters as colors. The training also led to a significant boost in IQ.
A global picture of the protein universe is crucial to addressing questions about protein evolution and function. The new study provides a first step toward piecing together this picture by analyzing relationships among domains within proteins.
A new study of 5,695 men with low testosterone levels found that testosterone supplementation reduces the risk of major adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks and strokes. Men who received testosterone supplementation had lower rates of death and heart attacks compared to those with persistently low testosterone levels.
A new trans-satellite wireless 12-lead ECG has been shown to significantly reduce treatment time for people with severe heart attacks. The study found that patients who received a wireless ECG had a hospital arrival to angioplasty time of 53 minutes, compared to 104 minutes for those who did not receive the test.
Researchers reconstructed the spatial pattern of major earthquakes along the Tangshan-Hejian-Cixian fault in Tianjin, revealing a 160-km seismic gap that has not been ruptured for over 8,400 years. This gap may be the next to rupture, generating a devastating earthquake similar to the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.
A new Duke University study finds that older adults recruit an additional brain area to remember competing consumer products and choose the better one. The study suggests that this brain activity, involving the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, allows them to perform at a higher level.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new production technology and material to manufacture tiny actuators that can swim through liquids. The actuators have helical shapes, are magnetic, and possess shape-independent magnetic properties.
A high-fructose diet during adolescence can exacerbate depressive-like behavior and alter the brain's response to stress. The study found that rats on a high-fructose diet had an altered stress hormone response and changed genetic pathways associated with stress regulation.
Robert Lazarsfeld is being awarded the 2015 AMS Steele Prize for his outstanding work in algebraic geometry, as documented in his two-volume book 'Positivity in Algebraic Geometry I and II'. The prize recognizes the profound influence of these books on research in the field over the past decade.
The house fly genome project has uncovered genes responsible for male traits that evolve exceptionally fast and are gained and lost from the genome at a high rate. These findings hold promise for developing pest control strategies that do not rely on chemical pesticides, by targeting sex determination systems.
Otago researchers have discovered a previously unknown genus of fossil baleen whales and two species within it, rewriting the history of New Zealand's ancient whales. The genus, Tohoraata, translates to 'Dawn Whale' in Māori, with the two identified species living between 27-25 million years ago.
A study found that quitting smoking significantly lowers death risk across all weight categories. Researchers compared deaths among smokers and quitters in Japan, discovering a 26-49% lower risk of death among those who gained more or no weight after quitting.
Researchers at University of Melbourne developed a new laser treatment that improves eye health in AMD patients by reducing disease signs and enhancing supporting cells. The nanosecond laser does not cause damage to the retina, raising hope for monocular treatment options.
The study suggests that expanding protected areas by 17% could triple current protection levels and deliver a 50% more efficient result globally. However, land-use change threatens this opportunity, putting over 1,000 species at risk of losing up to 50% of their habitats.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that following a healthy diet can lower blood pressure measurements. The research, which included over 12,000 volunteers, suggested that eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may be an effective way to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
A $7.6 million grant supports the validation of molecular tests for early detection of colorectal cancer, aiming to reduce mortality rates. The international Dream Team will focus on developing a blood test to identify patients who can benefit from chemotherapy after surgery.
Researchers found age-related differences in DNA methylation in 8% of genome sites, but most changes did not affect cellular function. A small subset of methylation changes were associated with altered gene expression and pulse pressure.
A new study published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology found that a medium amount of physical activity can lower the risk of Parkinson's disease. Participants who spent more than six hours per week on household and commuting activities had a 43% lower risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that disclosing genetic risk information led to increased perceived personal control and counseling satisfaction among patients. Patients who received genetic risk information also reported adopting healthier behaviors to reduce coronary heart disease risk.
Researchers from Imperial College London propose that spacetime curvature provided stability for the universe to survive expansion after the Big Bang. The team investigated the interaction between Higgs particles and gravity, finding even a small interaction could stabilize the universe.
A new study finds that whistleblower involvement leads to greater penalties and enforcement, resulting in a $21.27 billion increase in penalties over 35 years. This research supports the increase of whistleblower incentive programs, as policymakers push for more rewards without considering economic benefits.
A new study found that adults with obese mothers before pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2012 on 879 participants, who were followed for 41 years, resulting in 193 cardiovascular events and 28 cardiovascular deaths.
A new study finds that physical pain and social rejection activate different brain regions, challenging the long-held theory that they are processed similarly. The research could lead to more effective treatments for social pain, including the use of traditional painkillers.
Researchers created a 24-atom protein assembly that self-assembles into a porous molecular cube. This breakthrough could lead to the development of synthetic vaccines and targeted medicine delivery inside human cells. The discovery was made by UCLA biochemists led by Todd Yeates.
The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has released a new analysis of Hispanics' experiences with long-term care in the US. Key findings include that Hispanics are more likely to foresee needing long-term care, but report feeling less prepared and concerned about costs. The study also highlights the importance of financial plan...
Physicians urge policy-makers to address care gaps due to misalignment of reimbursement policies and clinical guidelines. Newer blood-thinning agents like DOACs are safer and more effective than traditional warfarin, yet government funders restrict access.
A large-scale study on learning rates found that participants who operated closer to their performance threshold had faster learning rates, especially at higher levels of difficulty. The study analyzed game play performance from Lumosity's online population and provided evidence for optimizing cognitive task designs to improve learning.
A new study found that training medical students to use handheld ultrasound devices enhances the accuracy of their physical diagnosis. Medical students who received personalized lessons on using handheld echocardiography technology showed a 58% correct diagnosis rate, compared to 40% for those with standard training.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a strong link between peanut exposure in household dust and the development of peanut allergies, particularly among children with eczema. The research suggests that exposure to peanut proteins through impaired skin barriers may trigger allergic reactions.
A new study finds that police officers are at a significantly increased risk of sudden cardiac death during stressful situations, such as suspect restraints and chases. The researchers also found that physical training activities were associated with a 20-25 fold higher SCD risk than routine law enforcement work.
Researchers at the University of Missouri estimated that salamander populations are 2-4 times higher than previously thought, and may be up to 10 times higher in some regions. This finding could help drive conservation efforts and forest management by acknowledging salamanders as a key food source.
A recent study published in JPEN found that premature infants who received sodium supplementation gained weight faster, had lower rates of hyponatremia, and no increased risk of prematurity-related morbidities. The researchers recommend further studies to determine the optimal dose and duration of sodium therapy.
Researchers found that blocking the ALS mutation in the brain slowed disease onset and progression, suggesting that early dysfunction of brain motor neurons may contribute to later disease development. The study used rats with ALS, showing delayed disease onset and extended survival when suppressing the mutation in the brain.
Researchers have successfully developed a treatment that reduces the risk of skin graft rejection by combining interleukin 2 with rapamycin. The treatment has shown promising results in mice, with no signs of rejection observed after 30 days.