Researchers at TSRI found a link between the reward and stress systems in the brain, suggesting that specific neurons play a key role in nicotine addiction. By targeting these neurons, scientists hope to develop drugs or genetic therapies to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Researchers found that smartphone apps designed for weight loss were unlikely to produce substantial weight loss in obese patients, highlighting the need for more engaging and time-efficient tools. Meanwhile, a study showed that offering a one-in-ten chance of winning $50 increased colon cancer screening rates by 20% compared to other ...
Researchers found no significant reduction in cardiovascular events, but a lower incidence of nonfatal heart attack and transient ischemic attack. Aspirin increased the risk of extracranial hemorrhage requiring hospitalization.
RIT professor Thomas Gaborski is using ultra-thin nano-membranes and adipose stem cells to create functional vascular networks necessary in engineering tissue, skin, and organs. His research aims to address the critical shortage of donor organs and alleviate organ rejection by utilizing a person's own stem cells.
Researchers found that Hispanic women with five or more live births are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Diastolic dysfunction, an abnormal relaxation phase of the heart, was common among these women, with 85% showing signs, according to the study.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggests that people who cook meals at home tend to eat healthier and consume fewer calories. Those who frequently cook at home also tend to rely less on frozen foods and fast food, even when eating out.
The first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean cyclone season has formed over 300 miles from Diego Garcia. The storm, named Adjali, is moving east-southeast at 3 knots and expected to intensify before weakening around La Reunion Island.
A new gene has been identified as the genetic cause of a progressive form of epilepsy in nearly one-third of patients. The mutation affects a potassium channel encoding gene KCNC1, which disrupts signal transmission in the brain and causes epileptic seizures and myoclonus.
Researchers found a significant association between vital exhaustion and an increased risk of developing first-time cardiovascular disease. Vital exhaustion, characterized by fatigue, irritability, and demoralization, was linked to a 36 percent higher risk of heart disease in healthy individuals.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center found that routine heart imaging screenings for diabetic patients at high risk of heart disease did not prevent heart attacks, hospitalization, or cardiac death. High-quality diabetes management remains the most effective way to avoid these events.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that black and white heart failure patients have similar rates of atrial fibrillation, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that physicians should monitor all heart failure patients for atrial fibrillation regardless of race.
A Rutgers-led study measures symmetry in elite track and field athletes, finding that symmetrical knees are associated with better times. The researchers discovered that the knees of Jamaican sprinters were more symmetrical than those of non-sprinting Jamaicans, with the most symmetrical knees belonging to 100-meter specialists.
Rice University scientists have developed a novel cathode for dye-sensitized solar cells using graphene/nanotube hybrids, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The new material has a huge surface area, allowing for more efficient electron transfer and better contact with the electrolyte.
Scientists found that ancient rivers, streams, and lakes on Mars were likely formed during brief periods of volcanic activity, warming the planet enough for water to flow. This challenges previous climate models suggesting a cold and ice-covered world, instead proposing a more complex history with episodic heating and melting.
Researchers at McGill University found that infant experiences shape the unconscious brain, influencing adult development even after years of disuse. The study used functional MRI scans to compare brain activation patterns in girls with unilingual French-speaking families versus those adopted from Chinese-speaking families.
A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding one gram of turmeric to breakfast improved working memory in older adults with pre-diabetes. The spice's active compound, curcumin, has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and improve cognitive function.
A UCL-led experiment found that people are willing to inflict an average of 20p per shock on themselves and 40p per shock on strangers in exchange for money, highlighting a surprisingly optimistic view of human nature. This contradicts previous studies claiming humans prioritize their own interests over others.
A study by Gregory Clark and Neil Cummins found that social status is consistently passed down among families over multiple generations, even more strongly than height. The researchers tracked social mobility from 1170 to 2012 using rare English surnames and found little change in social mobility since pre-industrial times.
A recent NIH-sponsored study has identified a superior three-drug regimen for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission during pregnancy and delivery. The findings support World Health Organization guidelines, recommending a triple-drug anti-HIV regimen to all pregnant women with HIV infection.
A new study using satellite data estimated global ship traffic from 1992 to 2012, finding a four-fold increase over the past 20 years. Shipping traffic grew faster in the Indian Ocean, peaking at a rate of 10% per year in 2011.
Researchers discovered that estrogen-producing glial cells play a crucial role in controlling inflammation within hours of brain injury, potentially leading to new therapies. This rapid response could help preserve vital brain function and hasten recovery from brain injuries such as stroke.
The use of insect-resistant maize varieties like Bt hybrids could increase Mexico's maize yields by nearly three times compared to current levels. This technology can effectively control various pests, reducing the environmental impact of chemical insecticides.
A new study demonstrates a significant association between atrial fibrillation (AFib) and lower cognitive function, particularly executive and verbal skills. The study, which used iRhythm Technologies' ZIO Patch to track AFib burden, found that participants with high AFib burden had lower scores in cognitive tests.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that injections of cardiac stem cells may help reverse heart damage caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially leading to improved heart function and exercise capacity. The study involved laboratory mice infused with cardiac stem cells, which showed marked improvement in hea...
A recent study by Brandeis University professor Nelson Lau reveals that the PIWI pathway, which protects against genetic parasites, has limitations. The pathway's effectiveness is crucial for human fertility and development, yet transposons continue to make up a significant portion of the genome.
Research reveals that major urban hospitals in the US are disproportionately penalized for readmission rates, with Detroit and Newark suffering the nation's highest average penalties. This penalty system may lead to reduced access to care for already vulnerable populations.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice through molecular mechanisms relevant in humans. Long-term exposure to the chemical may lead to liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other compounds.
A new study found that black children are less likely to be diagnosed with and receive broad-spectrum antibiotics for ear infections compared to white children. This disparity may be due to overtreatment and overdiagnosis in white children, and undertreatment and underdiagnosis in black children.
Researchers at EPFL have identified an alternative part of Abl-kinase on which drugs can bind with reduced risk of drug resistance. This new approach may overcome the problem of tumor drug resistance, offering a potential treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia.
The Disney Research library contains over 50 'feel effects,' including rain, a walking cat, and a beating heart. Novice users can create and share their own haptic effects using the FeelCraft software.
A new study published in the British journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B suggests that increased genetic diversity can limit the spread and severity of viral infections in livestock and endangered species. Researchers found that viruses replicated more slowly and caused less severe disease when transmitted through genetically di...
Researchers found stenospermocarpic black walnut fruit exhibit embryo degeneration, leading to ambered kernels. The study suggests visible embryo degeneration occurs during shell hardening and kernel enlargement.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully reprogrammed adult cells into insulin-producing beta cells in mice, showing promise for treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study's long-term findings suggest that the newly created cells remain functional over a period of approximately half the animal's normal lifespan.
Researchers from Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences propose a controlled experiment to test the risks and benefits of solar radiation management, aiming to reduce uncertainty in climate engineering. The 'stratospheric perturbation experiment' would involve a tiny amount of material to measure key aspects of atmospheric ...
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a gene in the kidneys that may contribute to high blood pressure in males. The study, led by Manoocher Soleimani, found that mice with a deficiency in this gene had significantly reduced blood pressure, suggesting its role in regulating salt absorption in the kidney tubule.
A special issue of Medical Care reports on the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for US military veterans and active duty personnel. The studies suggest that CAM therapies are moderately effective in reducing symptoms of chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
A McGill University Health Centre study found that adopting structured antibiotic time-outs led to decreased antibiotic costs and a small decline in Clostridium difficile infections. The time-out program, which involved regular re-evaluation of treatment strategies, resulted in improved prescribing practices among physicians.
A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that automated reminders improved medication adherence by 2 percentage points, with significant reductions in cholesterol levels. The study, which included over 21,000 participants, suggests that even small changes can have a big impact on public health.
The American Society for Horticultural Science has introduced three new ornamental dogwood cultivars with resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. 'Empire', 'Pam's Mountain Bouquet' and 'Red Steeple' exhibit excellent disease tolerance and desirable traits such as vibrant color and unique foliage.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School will explore the molecular basis of Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 4,000 males and females. They aim to identify therapeutic targets by investigating three molecules that slow down mRNA translation in mice.
A new study by Mount Sinai Heart and CNIC in Spain reveals two waves of heart muscle inflammation after a heart attack, contradicting previous consensus. The researchers discovered the first wave occurs immediately after the attack and subsides, followed by a second wave that arises a week later.
A randomized trial of 900 patients with diabetes found no benefit from routine CT angiography screening for coronary artery disease (CAD) in reducing mortality, heart attacks, or hospitalizations. The study suggests that guideline-directed medical therapy for hypertension and hyperlipidemia is effective in asymptomatic patients with di...
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a microbe that enhances plant tolerance to industrial pollutants like phenanthrene. The approach uses probiotic microbes to supplement plant defenses, allowing plants to take up to 25-40% more of the pollutant than untreated plants.
Research shows that fruit fly females combine personal preferences with social information when choosing egg-laying sites. While most follow the group's cue, some females ignore social influence and stick to their own preference. This complex decision-making process is influenced by environment, genetics, and social context.
Researchers used big data analysis to identify crizotinib, a cancer drug, as a possible candidate for a new stent coating. The medication helped prevent stent disease and protected the endothelium without affecting blood vessel lining in mice.
A new study found that offering a $50 cash reward through a lottery-style incentive increased the completion rate of stool tests for colon cancer screening among veterans. The test helps detect early signs of abnormal growths or cancer in the colon and is recommended annually for people over 50.
A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that working night shifts decreases total daily energy expenditure, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity. Researchers discovered that participants burned more fat when sleeping during the day compared to nighttime sleep.
Scientists at the University of Utah have found that iguanas, not known for high-capacity aerobic fitness, have bird-like breathing patterns in their lungs. This discovery bolsters the case that unidirectional airflow evolved long before the first birds, suggesting a common ancestor among lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and dinosaurs.
A systematic review found no significant difference in the prevalence of verbal abuse between men and women, suggesting that societal factors rather than gender play a role. Men are more at risk due to adopting protective attitudes towards women in female-dominated workplaces.
A study refutes past findings that a bad service experience taints a customer for the entire day. Businesses can improve customer attitudes by offering goodwill gestures to dissatisfied customers of other firms.
Researchers identified canyon maple's salt tolerance as a result of its native semiarid woodland habitat. The tree showed better resistance to leaf damage and salinity than bigleaf maple, but was more affected at higher salt concentrations.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine developed a way to chemically disguise RNAi drugs so they can enter cells. The technique converts disguised drug precursors into active RNAi drugs that selectively block target protein production in a cell.
Researchers found that bed bugs can acquire and transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causing Chagas disease. The study demonstrated bi-directional transmission of the parasite between mice and bed bugs, highlighting a potential emerging problem.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a novel scanning optical interferometry technique that enables the spatial mapping and visualization of high-order modes of Brownian motions. This breakthrough technology holds promise for multimodal sensing, signal processing, and computing applications.
The ferret genome sequencing study provides insights into the effects of pandemic flu and cystic fibrosis on respiratory tissues. The analysis shows distinct responses in the trachea and lungs to different viruses, shedding light on the course of infection.
A national poll reveals that most parents want strong policies to ensure children in daycare are up-to-date on vaccines. In response to a scenario where 1 in 4 children were not vaccinated, 74% of parents would consider removing their child from the daycare.
Researchers found that altering the p53 gene family causes rapid regression of tumors deficient in or lacking p53. Existing diabetes drugs that impact the same gene-protein pathway might be effective for cancer treatment.
African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to receive effective radiation therapy for early-stage lung cancer, according to a study. The study highlights significant disparities in treatment options based on hospital type and insurance status.
Researchers warn of increased bleeding risk from NSAIDs in atrial fibrillation patients and suggest alternative pain medications. Additionally, a study finds three in ten adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for improved care improvements.
Scientists have developed a novel delivery platform that allows for the inhibition of microRNA activity, leading to controlled cancer growth. The breakthrough uses a peptide with low-pH induced transmembrane structure to target tumor cells, providing a promising new model for cancer therapeutics.