A study by the NIH found that obese individuals have greater dopamine activity in the habit-forming region of the brain, making them more drawn to overeat in response to food triggers. This differences could contribute to the development of effective weight-loss programs.
A new study found that poverty, not biased reporting, is the primary cause of racial and ethnic disparities in child abuse and neglect. States with more minority children living in poverty show greater differences in abuse and neglect rates.
Researchers from Universite catholique de Louvain and Stanford University have synthesized a molecule with exceptional electronic properties, allowing for miniaturized devices. The discovery could lead to new miniaturization opportunities for future computers and green devices.
Researchers discover how stem cells combat lung disease by targeting macrophages, reducing inflammation and improving bacterial clearance. This breakthrough brings hope for new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.
A new system called DENDROID facilitates malware identification in smartphones by analyzing app structures and family relationships. This tool enables security analysts to classify unknown malware samples and track potential ancestors, enhancing their ability to detect and analyze complex threats.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a large-scale mapping technique to track demographic data, including gender, race, and economic diversity. The map reveals patterns of racial diversity across the US, with areas reflecting population density and urbanization.
Researchers discovered bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance through hidden genetic changes, using complex environmental gradients to promote rapid evolution. The findings reveal a diverse arsenal of genetic 'weapons' bacteria can employ to fight antibiotics, making them more versatile and difficult to defeat.
The National Academy of Sciences, India and Elsevier announced the winners of the 2014 NASI-Scopus Young Scientist Awards. The awards recognized outstanding young researchers across various disciplines in India for their innovative research. The program aims to promote academic research and provide recognition to young scientists.
Physicists successfully transmit a flash of light in a sensitive quantum state through the atmosphere, enabling secure quantum communication. The technology has potential advantages over current methods, including ability to transmit in sunlight and higher transmission rates.
Experts recommend prioritizing pregnant women for long-lasting insecticide treated nets through antenatal care clinics. This distribution strategy can help improve maternal, neonatal, and infant health by preventing malaria, which has adverse effects on mothers and infants.
Researchers have re-examined the British fossil record over 550 million years and found that only the area of preserved rock drives biodiversity, casting doubt on previous methods used to correct for bias in the fossil record.
A new citizen science model proposes empowering sailors worldwide to gather basic ocean data, significantly improving the accuracy of climate models and weather forecasts. Bacterioplankton sampling and ocean physics measurements can be deployed by sailors with simple instruments and basic training.
Researchers found that statin use decreased the risk of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and gangrene in individuals with diabetes. However, statin use did not affect the risk of kidney disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified over 30 previously undiscovered genetic mutations in microRNAs that may influence cancer susceptibility and severity. These mutations were found to be associated with increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, in African popula...
A recent study found that emergency room visits for high blood pressure increased by 25% between 2006-11, while admission percentages fell. Additionally, the percentage of patients who died in the hospital decreased by 36%. The researchers attributed this decline to improved treatment skills among ER and hospital physicians.
A study by Imperial College London found that xenon gas limits brain damage and improves neurological outcomes in mice, both short-term and long-term. The findings suggest that xenon could be a potential treatment for head injuries in humans.
Research suggests that ErbB4 receptor activation in breast milk protects against intestinal damage and promotes epithelial cell survival. NRG4, an ErbB4-specific ligand, is believed to play a key role in this protection, potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for intestinal diseases.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a novel fluorescent marker that excites in the far-red spectrum and emits in the infrared range, enabling better-quality images with advanced bio-imaging. This technology allows for the delineation of tumor and metastasis, tracking drug responses within whole-body imaging.
Scientists used computer modeling to trace water channels in cell surface receptors (GPCRs), discovering their role in signal transduction. The study suggests that targeting these internal water pathways could lead to the development of more efficient drugs.
The $21-million SOCCOM program will provide unprecedented year-round coverage of biogeochemistry in the Southern Ocean, enabling top scientists to work together on research that was not possible before. The initiative aims to improve our understanding of the Southern Ocean's importance to the Earth's carbon and climate systems.
A new study on the Indian Ocean reveals that Sri Lanka and surrounding regions are susceptible to large tsunamis with varying time periods between events. Researchers analyzed sediment cores, finding a 1000-year period without a tsunami, nearly twice as long as the lull period prior to the 2004 earthquake.
Research finds people can become addicted to eating for pleasure, but not to specific food substances. The focus should shift from foods to individual relationships with eating, according to scientists. More research is needed to redefine eating addiction as a formal diagnosis.
Researchers developed new methods to reduce imaging time in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by up to 50%, making scans easier for patients. The methods also correct errors caused by patient movement, resulting in error-free MPI images.
African green revolution could boost land use and carbon emissions, contrary to previous successful initiatives in Asia and Latin America. Researchers warn of potential environmental consequences despite potential long-term benefits like cheaper food and reduced poverty.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine discovered that the volume of the parietal cortex in the brain can predict where people fall on the risk-taking spectrum. The study found that individuals with larger volume in this part of the brain were willing to take more risks.
A long-term study found that statin therapy initiated in childhood showed benefits on atherosclerosis progression and reduced carotid intima-media thickness. However, low-density lipoprotein levels remained high, suggesting stronger or earlier treatment may be needed.
The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the liver fluke's molecular pathways, which may lead to the development of powerful diagnostic tools and effective treatments for parasite-specific diseases. The findings offer new insights into the life cycle of the parasitic fluke in the human bile duct.
Researchers have discovered a novel virus in ball pythons that could be the source of severe respiratory disease, with implications for public health and animal care. The virus, named ball python nidovirus, has been sequenced and found to be similar to toroviruses, which infect mammals and fish.
A recent study found that sickle cell patients who experience discrimination are 53% more likely to not adhere to their doctors' orders. The researchers analyzed the experiences of 291 patients with sickle cell disease and found a significant association between perceived discrimination and non-adherence.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that weekly text messages can greatly improve understanding of nutrition labels and encourage healthier food choices. Participants who received the reminders were twice as likely to correctly identify the 2,000-calorie value after four weeks.
A conservation biologist's study provides crucial guidance for rescuing the critically endangered pupfish by establishing a captive breeding program. The research found that transferring pupfish eggs to a facility in the fall and limiting adult migrations are critical for reducing impact on the wild population.
A UNSW Australia-led team pioneers citizen oceanography by having recreational sailors collect and test data from remote waters on their yachts. This cost-effective approach demonstrated that scientists can gather large quantities of information as they sail around the world, advancing the field of oceanography.
A new evidence-based guideline for managing sickle cell disease recommends the use of hydroxyurea and transfusion therapy for many individuals with SCD. The guideline aims to facilitate improved and more accessible care for affected individuals, despite limited high-quality evidence.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a programmable headlight system that prevents glare from hitting oncoming drivers, improving visibility in snowy or rainy conditions. The system can adjust the light beam to highlight traffic lanes and even project directional signals.
Scientists have identified a weak spot in the life cycle of malaria parasites, where female parasites store fat differently to males. This discovery could lead to new drugs targeting the fat molecule gABCG2, potentially preventing the spread of the disease.
Ovarian cancer cells use mesothelial cells to spread through the body via fibronectin secretion. The study suggests that mesothelium is an active participant in the spread of ovarian cancer.
A large case-control study found that long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the strongest association was seen with long-acting benzodiazepines, emphasizing the need for careful balance between benefits and risks in elderly patients.
Researchers discovered that as mice age, their primary DNA repair process fails and is replaced by a less effective mechanism, leading to increased mutations in critical tissues. This finding may explain why damaged DNA contributes to aging-related illnesses like cancer.
A large-scale study of over 7,000 women found that sustaining a desire for children after failed fertility treatment is linked to worse mental health. Women who still wished to have children were up to 2.8 times more likely to develop clinically significant mental health problems than those who did not sustain a child-wish.
Scientists replicated the structure of compound eyes to create miniature devices that emit light uniformly in all directions. The findings have potential applications for extremely wide field-of-view detectors, enabling new technologies.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism to inhibit proteasomes, a target for cancer therapy, paving the way for more effective and less toxic chemotherapy drugs. A series of molecules based on this mechanism have been developed, and their potential is being tested.
Researchers at Northwestern University identify a critical chemical signaling pathway for the healthy functioning of Schlemm's canal, a key factor in developing glaucoma. They are now developing an eye drop that activates regrowth of the clogged vessel to lower pressure and restore normal drainage.
A study analyzing reanalysis of RCT data found that about one-third led to changes in findings, with some altering patient groups or treatment effects. The results underscore the importance of standardizing data sharing and reanalysis practices for individual and public health.
The NIH has launched a new online database, ClinRegs, to provide up-to-date information on country-specific clinical research regulatory requirements. This resource enables users to explore and compare regulations across different countries, streamlining the planning and implementation of international research projects.
The researchers create a structure containing 100 billion atoms that act as a single artificial atom, linking it to a superconducting wire with photons. This leads to strong interactions among the photons, mimicking phases of matter studied in condensed matter physics.
A new study using data from over 3000 children found that factors such as birth weight, gestational age at birth and lung function, growth and other measures at 8 years can predict lung function during mid to late teenage years. The researchers discovered that weight at birth had a small effect on lung function in teen years.
Scientists used fossil records and evolutionary models to show that sloth lineages increased in size by over 100 kilos every million years. This fast rate of evolution suggests environmental factors or competition with other species favored larger body sizes before they died out.
A study of newly-licensed RNs found that 17.5% leave their first nursing job within the first year and 33.5% leave within two years. The research team suggests that standardizing turnover data can help identify reasons for RN turnover and inform management strategies.
Researchers have discovered bacteria that can survive in highly alkaline conditions expected in radioactive waste disposal sites and use isosaccharinic acid as a food source. These microbes may prevent the release of toxic radionuclides into the environment, offering a potential solution for safe nuclear waste disposal.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered a protein in breast milk called neuregulin-4 (NRG4) that appears to protect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially lethal intestinal disorder. Formula feeding is a known risk factor for NEC, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding.
A six-month infant intervention program eliminates symptoms of autism and developmental delay by 3 years old. Parents played a crucial role in the success of this early treatment.
A long-term study of over 200 wild female baboons found that females who socialized with both males and females lived the longest. Socializing with males gave females a bigger longevity boost than socializing with other females.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that sharing painful experiences can lead to increased cooperation and bonding within groups. Researchers found that participants who underwent painful tasks reported higher levels of group bonding and were more willing to cooperate with their group members.
A study found that measles illness lasts for almost 14 days and causes people to miss nearly 10 days at work or school on average. The analysis also showed that the average number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to measles is 0.019 per patient, equivalent to 6.9 QALYs.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new way to preserve the flexibility and resilience of the brain, targeting areas affected by Alzheimer's disease. The breakthrough involves stabilizing microtubules, which provide a cellular skeleton for nerve cells, promoting neuroplasticity.
The NSF grant will expand Climate Central's efforts to produce and deliver localized climate science content and professional development opportunities to TV meteorologists. More than 150 weathercasters are participating, and the goal is to add an additional 200 weathercasters to the project.
Researchers have developed a new technology to create artificial membranes on silicon surfaces, mimicking those found in living organisms. The process uses commercial chemicals and is the first time anyone has made an artificial membrane without mixing liquid solvents together.
Researchers found significantly decreased estrogen receptor beta expression in autistic male brains, which may explain the disorder's higher prevalence in boys. Estrogen receptor agonists could potentially reverse autism's behavioral deficits, such as reclusiveness and repetitive behavior.
Temple University researchers discovered a promising new target for treating end-stage heart failure by blocking the vasopressin type 1A receptor, which interferes with the heart's ability to receive important signals. The finding could lead to more effective therapies and improve symptoms in patients with heart failure.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a successful method to keep blood vessels in lab-built kidneys open and flowing, overcoming a major challenge in the quest for human transplants. The new approach has shown promise in keeping vessels open for four hours, paving the way for longer-term studies.