Researchers found that commodity price bubbles were short-lived and not as frequent as thought. Bubbles in the grain markets occurred more often during periods of production problems rather than speculative activity. The study's findings suggest that the commodity market is doing a good job of accessing prices, with only minor hiccups.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge developed a method to combine multiple functions in a single material by integrating structure at the nanoscale. This approach enables the creation of multi-functional artificial muscles that can move, sense, and report on their environment.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University have found that a tropical ascidian species can expel its digestive tract and rebuild it within 12 days. The study provides new insights into the organism's ability to eviscerate and regenerate its gut, shedding light on potential avenues for human soft-tissue regeneration research.
Researchers at Qualcomm MEMS Technologies developed a display technology that harnesses natural ambient light to create an unprecedented range of colors. The new design uses a mirror and absorbing layer to reflect more of the incoming light, enabling the full spectrum of visible light to be displayed.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that older heart patients with reduced function may benefit from defibrillators, which can lower the risk of death by one-third. However, the devices are underutilized due to factors such as advanced age, transitions in care, and mandatory waiting periods.
Researchers have developed a new method to estimate distances to X-ray sources using the geometry of light echoes and dust clouds. By analyzing the timing and deflection of X-rays as they pass through interstellar space, astronomers can calculate the distance to Circinus X-1, a binary system located in the plane of the galaxy.
A study analyzing health insurance data found that long-term treatment with pioglitazone significantly decreases the risk of developing dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication lowers the risk by approximately half compared to non-diabetics, with a notable protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.
A new model by MIT researchers analyzes flight schedules and ticket sales to determine global air transport connectivity. The study finds that one-stop flights have become more important over time in connecting regions, despite being less preferred by passengers.
Researchers have successfully controlled the length and strength of waves of atomic motion, promising applications in fine-scale imaging and information transmission. Hybrid polaritons propagate throughout many layers of a crystalline material and can be tuned with an electronic gate.
Researchers from Umea University found no association between PDEi drugs and increased melanoma risk; instead, men taking these drugs are more health-conscious and sunbathe more often, increasing their melanoma diagnosis risk.
Joshua Tully, a Louisiana Tech University chemistry student, has been awarded a Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) Fellowship by the EPA for his research on natural clay nanotubes. The fellowship provides a year of academic support and internship experience, valued at up to $50,000.
Dr. Maurizio D'Incalci receives the first Pezcoller-Prodi Award in recognition of his work on translational cancer research and therapeutic oncology. The award highlights his contributions to the development of novel anticancer drugs, including trabectedin.
A team of Lehigh University engineers has developed a novel approach for the reproducible biosynthesis of extracellular, water-soluble quantum dots using bacteria and cadmium sulfide. This method reduces cost and environmental impact by utilizing an engineered strain of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia to control particle size.
Researchers found that groups of neurons work together to signal muscles about when and where to move, firing in complex rhythms. The study aims to create prosthetic devices that better understand and respond to a person's thoughts.
Fewer than 1 in 10 eligible patients with low ejection fraction received an ICD within 1 year after a heart attack. ICD implantation was associated with a 36% lower risk of death at two years. Additional research is needed to increase ICD implantation among eligible patients.
A study of 197 patients with breast cancer found that more selective use of biomarker testing could save up to $117 million annually. Testing larger excisional biopsies instead of reflexively testing smaller core biopsies would help pick up tumors eligible for targeted therapy, reducing unnecessary costs.
UCSB sociologist Thomas Scheff argues that psychology's scientific method is blind to the insights of intuition, leading to misconceptions about catharsis, stigma, and self-esteem. Future studies could split scales into cognitive and emotional components to address these issues.
A new study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people tend to choose poorly matching passport photos, leading to lower accuracy in face recognition. Strangers were surprisingly more reliable at judging likeness than individuals themselves, with self-selected images being matched seven per cent less accurately.
Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a critical protein, ESP1, that stabilizes the site of sperm-egg fusion. This discovery may pave the way for the development of a male contraceptive by targeting the protein's interactions.
A new nanobiosensor can detect biomarkers for multiple sclerosis and other nervous system diseases. By analyzing the interaction between a patient's cerebrospinal fluid and the device, doctors can rule out or confirm diagnoses with greater confidence.
A new drug, SF0034, selectively affects potassium channels in the brain to treat epilepsy and prevent tinnitus. It has shown promise in preventing seizures in animals and is being developed as a potential treatment for both conditions.
Scientists investigate placental microbiome, genes, and uterine muscle cells to understand preterm labor triggers. The goal is to develop novel drugs and treatments to prevent premature birth.
Researchers have identified two compounds that target the synthesis of fungal glucosylceramide, leading to highly effective antifungal activity. These new agents may pave the way for a new class of antifungals to treat serious fungal infections, which cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends uninterrupted anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists during ablation and device implantation to minimize bleeding. The new guidelines also provide recommendations on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for the first time.
A review of 79 randomized trials involving 6,500 participants found moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for chronic pain and lower-quality evidence for nausea and vomiting. However, the effectiveness of cannabis for other conditions remains unclear, with increased risk of adverse effects.
The OSIRIS-REx team is preparing to ship its instruments to the spacecraft's assembly facility, with a launch date of September 2016. The mission aims to bring back a small sample from asteroid Bennu for study, providing insights into the asteroid's composition and properties.
Professor Shashi Murthy is developing a novel microfluidic system to automate the process of creating dendritic cells, essential for effective vaccines. The new instrument aims to reduce the manual process from 16 steps to a fully-automated system, potentially cutting timeframes to six days.
Current blood cancer drug prices are too high to be considered cost-effective in the US, according to a recent MD Anderson Cancer Center study. The researchers found that 63% of 20 studies evaluated had costs per additional life-year higher than $50,000, indicating that current prices cannot be justified based on improved quality of life.
A three-year clinical trial results show that the Argus II device improves visual function and quality of life for people with retinitis pigmentosa by up to 89%. The study found no device failures after three years and no negative impact on patients.
MIT researchers have created a new ultralow-power circuit that can harness more than 80% of the energy from tiny solar cells, enabling it to run for months without battery changes. The chip achieves this efficiency improvement while powering devices directly from batteries.
Tropical Storm Kujira made landfall on Hainan Island, China, with surface wind speeds near 65 knots, according to NASA's RapidScat data. The storm then moved into the Gulf of Tonkin, where it was centered near 20.1 North latitude and 107.8 East longitude, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.
Researchers developed a low-voltage, single-catalyst water splitter that produces hydrogen and oxygen continuously for over 200 hours. The device uses a single, inexpensive nickel-iron oxide catalyst, reducing cost and increasing efficiency.
A new NASA simulation reveals that dark matter particles colliding in a black hole can produce strong, potentially observable gamma-ray light. This detection could provide new insights into both black holes and the nature of dark matter.
A study found that a small group of consumers who consistently purchase and rave about failing products may actually be 'harbingers of failure.' These customers tend to buy niche items that few others choose. Retailers can use this insight to make better decisions about new products.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a way to extract information from magma crystals, allowing them to reconstruct the history of global geography and predict future eruptions. This new method has the potential to improve our understanding of volcanic activity and provide more accurate predictions for eruptions.
Primary care physicians incorrectly thought that abuse-deterrent pills were less addictive than standard counterparts, despite evidence showing they are equally addictive. The study highlights the importance of patient and provider education regarding abuse-deterrent products.
A new study found that fitness-branded foods increase consumption in restrained eaters, while reducing physical activity. Fitness labels on snacks led to increased eating and decreased exercise among participants trying to watch their weight.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that teenagers are unclear about the risks of marijuana and e-cigarettes, receiving conflicting information from various sources. The study suggests that future messages should address the addictive potential, health risks, and presence of nicotine in these products.
A team of researchers has created a new implantable drug-delivery system using nanowires that can be wirelessly controlled, allowing for precise and targeted treatment. The system showed promise in reducing inflammation and scar formation in mice with spinal cord injuries.
Thermal phonons can interfere with their own reflections, suggesting that heat transport occurs through wave-like phenomena. This interference could be used to modify the velocity of phonons and create energy bandgaps, leading to new materials with low thermal conductivity.
A study found that most edible cannabis products sold in dispensaries carried labels with inaccurate THC levels, posing a risk to patients. The researchers called for better regulation and oversight of marijuana edibles to prevent overdosing and ensure accurate labeling.
A new study from the University of Exeter has found that racehorse speeds have improved greatly since 1850, with increases in speed greatest in shorter distance races. The researchers used a large data set of racing records to analyze thoroughbred performance at the elite level and found that horses are getting faster.
Inflamed kidney cells produce an enzyme that consumes tryptophan, activating a stress response and inducing autophagy to clear damaged protein. The IDO-GCN2 pathway provides natural protection against inflammation-induced kidney damage, offering new potential treatment targets.
Researchers at OIST have confirmed that specific cholinergic interneurons play a key role in maintaining behavioral flexibility by inhibiting old rules and encouraging exploration. Rats with damaged neurons had difficulty adapting to rule changes, highlighting the importance of these neurons in decision-making.
A recent study by Concordia University researchers found that the US Department of Defense overspends on fuel costs by $1-9 billion annually, with a volatile crude oil market exacerbating the issue. Improving planning and budgeting practices could help mitigate these risks, according to the study.
Scientists have identified a gatekeeper enzyme that prevents cell death in Wolfram syndrome, a rare form of diabetes. Replacing or enhancing the enzyme strengthens cellular membranes and stops molecules from leaking into other parts of the cell.
Living in areas with high road traffic noise may reduce life expectancy due to an increased risk of heart or blood vessel disease. Adults and the elderly living in noisy areas were found to be more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and experience strokes.
Researchers argue that restrictive guidelines on total fat consumption have led to unhealthy choices and neglect the importance of healthy fats like nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. They advocate for a focus on adopting a healthier food-based dietary pattern with more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Researchers from California Academy of Sciences have described six new species of subterranean Dracula ants in Madagascar and Seychelles. These tiny ants are fierce social predators with dagger-like teeth that hunt underground or deep within leaf litter, leading a cryptic lifestyle.
A team of researchers has successfully developed a brain-machine interface that allows paralyzed individuals to remotely control robots with their thoughts. The technology has shown excellent results, enabling users to interact with the robot's surroundings and avoid obstacles without requiring any physical movement.
New research suggests that depressed people often choose to increase rather than decrease their sadness in daily life. Studies found that depressed participants preferred sad music and re-watched sad images more frequently than non-depressed individuals. The findings highlight the importance of motivation in regulating emotions.
Researchers developed a screening test to measure mutant huntingtin protein seeding in cerebrospinal fluid, distinguishing symptomatic Huntington's patients from gene carriers. This assay may accelerate the development of new drugs to treat this incurable disease by blocking cell-to-cell seeding.
A JGIM study finds unauthorized immigrants paid in $3.5 billion more than they utilized in care in 2011, generating an average surplus of $316 per capita to the Trust Fund. Reducing unauthorized immigration would worsen Medicare's financial health.
Early screening echocardiography for patent ductus arteriosus among extremely preterm infants reduced in-hospital mortality and pulmonary hemorrhage rates. The study found no significant differences in severe complications like necrotizing enterocolitis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Astronomers have solved a mystery over blue hook stars, which form when a star's outer layers are destroyed by rapid rotation. The international team found that these stars consume hydrogen fuel more slowly due to their high spin rates.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel big data analysis platform that unveils the unregulated patterns of gene network in cancer. The platform discovers potential diagnostic and therapeutic target genes, including Nucleophosmin (NPM1), for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML).
The researchers have developed a robust approach to integrate graphene onto 3D microstructured surfaces, maintaining the structural integrity of graphene. The process incorporates three sequential steps: substrate swelling, shrinking, and adaptation, allowing for damage-free integration of graphene on 3D microstructures.
Pre-menopausal smokers with breast cancer are at a higher risk of dying from the disease and any cause, according to a new study. The research found that smoking can impact breast cancer survival rates, especially among women whose cancers express estrogen receptors.
A study found that a single gene mutation causes the distinctive head crest in pigeons and domesticated ringneck doves, with similar mutations occurring in both species.
A study by Penn State researchers found no significant differences in in-hospital mortality rates, lengths of stay, and readmission rates after implementing an overnight academic hospitalist program. The researchers evaluated over 6,000 patient admissions between 2011 and 2014.