A real-life neurosurgeon says the Spectre villain's use of a head clamp system and robotic drill was incorrect, as it would have triggered a stroke or massive hemorrhage. Dr. Michael Cusimano praised Blofeld's grasp of Neuroscience but noted he would have failed his neuroanatomy course.
The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has developed ProteinPaint, a web application and dataset that provides an interactive tool for researchers worldwide to advance their understanding of pediatric cancer mutations. The tool offers critical information unavailable with existing visualization tools, allowing users to see the impac...
Researchers have revealed the mechanism behind the ferromagnetic properties of Cr-doped (Sb, Bi)2Te3 thin films, enabling electric current generation at room temperature without energy consumption. This breakthrough could lead to novel materials that operate efficiently in future devices.
A Veterans Affairs study of 738 Iraq war veterans found that those who fought during the insurgency phase were more than twice as likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those who served in other phases. The finding holds true even after adjusting for demographic and deployment-related risk factors.
A prospective cohort study found that receiving an average of at least six potentially effective drugs per day was associated with a 36% greater likelihood of responding to treatment. The inclusion of more drugs, particularly pyrazinamide, was also linked to improved sputum culture conversion rates.
The 2011 flood caused by Tropical Storm Lee had a significant impact on the geomorphology of several large watersheds in north-central Pennsylvania. Channel widening and bank erosion were common, and huge volumes of gravel were transported during the flood. The study suggests that part of the reason for these changes was related to the...
A University of Washington study analyzed over 750 studies on marijuana and alcohol use, finding that legalization policies may lead to both substitution and complementary effects. The research highlights the difficulties in gauging the impact of a formerly illicit drug as it moves into the mainstream.
Exercising early in life can alter the microbial community for the better, promoting healthier brain and metabolic activity over a lifetime. A study published in Immunology and Cell Biology found that juvenile rats who exercised daily developed a more beneficial gut microbiome.
Researchers review challenges and advances in optimizing specific productivity of metabolic pathways in living cells. New tools for library generation, computational analysis, and high-throughput screening are discussed to improve pathway creation and screening.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a high-throughput, machine-learning tool to analyze synaptic density in the brain. This allows them to identify synapses from an entire cortical region and gain insights into how synaptic properties change during development and learning.
Researchers have developed a new nondestructive technique to study phase transitions at the nanoscale, revealing insights into ferroelectric materials. This approach uses acoustic response to detect changes in material behavior and can guide efforts to design next-generation materials with enhanced properties.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that white Americans' stereotypes of black Americans mirror those of individuals from resource-poor and unpredictable environments. In contrast, stereotypes of whites match those of individuals from more resource-sufficient and predictable environments. The findings suggest that eco...
The James Webb Space Telescope's segmented primary mirror is half complete with nine mirrors installed, on track for full completion in early 2016. The mirrors were built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp and will work together as one large 21.3-foot mirror.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that marmosets use auditory cues similar to humans to distinguish between low and high notes, shedding light on our evolutionary history.
Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered a critical role for CYLD in controlling the body's inflammatory response to pathogens. This finding could lead to the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents, as traditional treatments like steroids can cause serious side effects.
Researchers developed a novel liquid salt formulation of propranolol for transdermal delivery, reducing skin toxicity. The formulation uses counter ions to shield drug charge, increasing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.
A new study from Carnegie Institution reveals that up to 58 million large trees in California experienced severe canopy water loss between 2011 and today, putting them at risk. The research used advanced tools to measure the impact of the drought on forest canopies and mapped changes in canopy water content.
Researchers identified 13 inherited sleep and activity measures linked to bipolar disorder, including later waking times and shorter periods of activity. The study provides clues to the genetic nature of the disorder and potential new approaches for prevention and treatment.
A population-based study published in JACI found that adults with asthma are at a 70% greater risk of developing shingles compared to those without asthma. Additionally, individuals with atopic dermatitis also showed a higher risk of shingles, even when other factors were accounted for.
Researchers found that consumers associate 'healthy' foods with less fillingness, leading to increased portion sizes and consumption. Highlighting the nourishing aspects of healthy food can mitigate this bias, providing a potential solution for managing weight.
Researchers have discovered that Bacillus cereus can form small colony variants in response to aminoglycoside antibiotics, making it resistant to these therapies. This alternative lifestyle allows the bacteria to survive harsh conditions and evade traditional diagnostic methods.
A recent study spanning 40 years examined the 'question-behavior effect,' finding that asking people about performing a certain behavior influences whether they do it in the future. The effect has been shown to last more than six months after questioning, making questioning a simple yet effective technique to influence human behavior.
Case Western Reserve University Professor Ozan Akkus is building a souped-up Raman microscope into FastRAM, which can provide images of materials in seconds to minutes instead of hours. The new device would allow researchers to analyze dynamic processes like chemical reactions as they occur.
A new key to all North European cuckoo wasp species has been published, featuring descriptions and illustrations of 74 species, including the newly described Chrysis borealis. The research team used DNA sequence information and morphometric analysis to distinguish the new species from its evolutionarily young sibling.
A team of scientists has proposed a two-dimensional metamaterial composed of silver elements that refracts light in an unusual way, potentially speeding up computer processing. The material could be used to develop compact optical devices and create an 'invisibility cloak'.
Researchers studied eye structures in adults with varying vision prescriptions and age, finding significant differences. The study's results suggest that 'customized' intraocular lenses could improve accommodating IOLs' effectiveness in correcting presbyopia.
A new meta-analysis found that psychological therapies can reduce IBS symptoms for at least six months after treatment ends. The study analyzed 41 clinical trials involving over 2,200 patients, revealing no significant difference in effectiveness between different types of psychotherapy.
A study by Boston Medical Center found that nearly 3,000 individuals with chronic pain who experienced a nonfatal opioid overdose continued to be prescribed opioids, with 70% receiving prescriptions from the same provider. Patients who took high dosages were twice as likely to have another overdose at two years of follow-up.
SUNY Downstate researchers identified areas of high probability of plague bacteria in the western United States. Their findings can be used by public health agencies to target specific areas for enhanced plague surveillance, particularly in regions with significant animal hosts.
Researchers found that infusing a small amount of IL-17A can prevent or reverse diabetic nephropathy in animal models. The therapy also reduced high levels of fat in the blood and aided survival and regeneration of key kidney cells, including podocytes and epithelial cells.
Historic and prehistoric peoples in arid to semi-arid deserts were more susceptible to impacts from climate challenges due to created vulnerabilities to food shortfall. Social factors, such as limitations on networks and mobility, were the primary contributors to vulnerability to food shortage.
A team has identified a second genetically distinct transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, which causes facial tumours indistinguishable from the previously discovered cancer. The discovery raises questions about the rarity of transmissible cancers and the vulnerability of Tasmanian devils to developing this type of disease.
Researchers found that areas previously depleted of salmon are on a fast track to recovery, with American dipper birds showing improved physical condition and reproductive success when accessing salmon. The studies suggest rivers can recover within a generation after dam removal, offering a promising conservation outcome.
A new hypnosis technique called hypnosedation offers a reliable alternative to awake craniotomy for glioma patients. The study found that hypnosis reduced the impact of unpleasant events during surgery and showed little negative psychological impact on patients.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that ultrasound sensitivity is comparable to mammography, but with a higher false-positive rate. The researchers suggest considering ultrasound as a supplemental test for women with dense breasts or those unable to tolerate MRI.
A massive low pressure system generated severe weather, including tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and snow, in the southwestern and central US. The storm system brought significant impacts, particularly to Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
Researchers found that e-cigarette vapor damaged human cells, causing DNA breaks and cell death. The study suggests that e-cigarettes are not as safe as their marketing claims, and may contain previously undiscovered carcinogenic components.
Scientists pin down structure of ALS-associated protein clumps, providing first definitive evidence of their toxicity. The breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs to stop clump formation and stem disease progression.
After a nonfatal overdose, nearly 3,000 patients continued to be prescribed opioids, with 70% receiving prescriptions from the same provider who wrote them before. Patients taking high dosages were twice as likely to experience another overdose after discontinuing opioid use.
The study sequenced ancient Irish human genomes, providing evidence for massive migration from the Middle East and Pontic Steppe. These genetic influxes are believed to have introduced cultural changes, such as agriculture and bronze metalworking, which may have originated the western Celtic language.
Researchers from NIST and IBM have created a 'self-assembly' method using gold nanoparticles that can carve straight channels into semiconductor surfaces. The process, discovered through trial and error, involves heating water vapor to etch nanoscale pits into the surface.
A study by Rob Kuper found that people prefer landscapes with green colors and moderate complexity, especially during winter. Landscape designers can use evergreen trees, colorful berries, or plants that emerge early to create year-round visual appeal.
A new American Cancer Society study reveals that excess medical expenditures and productivity losses vary significantly among cancer survivors by age and cancer site. Nonelderly survivors of colorectal and breast cancers experience higher annual expenditures compared to those without a cancer history.
Researchers have developed a novel microencapsulation method using seaweed-derived hydrogel to protect pancreatic islets from ice damage during transplantation. The technique facilitates real-time cell viability assessments and reduces the need for cryoprotectants, promoting a more effective and safer treatment approach.
Researchers at Osaka University have successfully observed two-phonon quantum interference using two cold calcium ions in ion traps. This achievement demonstrates the shared properties of phonons and photons, paving the way for quantum simulation and interface research.
Researchers have discovered 'forbidden' compounds in super-Earths that could increase heat transfer rates and strengthen magnetic fields. These compounds, formed by silicon, oxygen, and magnesium at high pressures, have different properties than normal compounds, making them important for generating powerful magnetic fields.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) reduces preference for sweets and alcohol in mammals by affecting the brain's reward pathway. FGF21 levels are associated with environmental stress, such as extreme dietary changes or cold temperature exposure.
Researchers have identified NORAD, a long noncoding RNA, as crucial in maintaining proper chromosome numbers. Absence of NORAD leads to genomic instability and cells losing or gaining whole chromosomes.
Scientists reveal that inflammatory molecules driving the immune response in clinical and severe malaria also prevent protective antibodies from developing against the parasite. This discovery could lead to new approaches for boosting key immune cells needed for long-lasting immunity.
Researchers identified a liver-generated hormone, FGF21, that regulates sugar intake and suppresses sweet cravings in mice. The study found that FGF21 decreases appetite and intake of simple sugars but not complex carbohydrates.
Researchers at NUS have discovered a method to manipulate electrons in thin semiconductors by encapsulating them in atomically thin materials and applying external electric and magnetic fields. This technique enables reversible control of electron behavior, paving the way for new applications in high-temperature superconductivity.
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a way plants assess shade to outgrow menacing neighbors, triggering accelerated growth through molecular sensors. This finding could improve crop productivity and help farmers grow crops closer together.
French researchers have developed metamaterial resonators that allow emission in the infrared to be tuned through geometry, enabling the encoding of images. This technology has potential breakthrough applications in infrared televisions, biochemical sensing, and anti-counterfeit devices.
Two studies found a liver-derived hormone, FGF21, that regulates sugar and alcohol intake in mice and primates. FGF21 suppresses sweet appetite by acting on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates food intake and energy homeostasis.
Engineers successfully marry electrons and photons within a single-chip microprocessor, achieving a bandwidth density of 300 gigabits per second per square millimeter. The photonic I/O on the chip is also energy-efficient, using only 1.3 picojoules per bit.
A study suggests that treating all suspected cases of nail fungus with oral terbinafine is more cost-effective than performing confirmatory diagnostic tests beforehand. However, confirmatory testing before treatment with the expensive topical medicine efinaconazole resulted in reduced costs and overall savings.
New evidence on dental implants reveals the importance of tooth preservation in patients with gum infections. The studies suggest that teeth compromised by periodontal disease or endodontic problems may have a longer longevity than average implants.
Patients undergoing major vascular surgery experienced high rates of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, increasing long-term cardiovascular-specific death. Preoperative risk stratification through estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria can help prevent or mitigate further decline in kidney function.
Geologists have discovered a unique landform in the Wabash River Valley that was formed by erosion from melting glacier floodwaters. The finding provides insight into how floodwaters may behave as glaciers continue to melt today, with potential effects on surrounding landscapes.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that surgical castration was associated with lower risks of fractures, peripheral artery disease, and cardiac complications compared to medical castration. However, no significant difference was observed between the two treatments for diabetes and cognitive disorders.