A study of over 1,500 cigarette smokers found that combining varenicline with cutting back on cigarette consumption increased long-term success in quitting. Smokers who reduced their smoking rate before attempting to quit were four times more likely to succeed at six months and two times more likely to quit at 12 months.
Researchers successfully demonstrate a new technique combining a solar telescope with a laser frequency comb to analyze distant stars with unprecedented accuracy, potentially leading to the discovery of Earth-like planets. The technique enhances spectral analysis and advances research in astrophysics.
Researchers found altered patterns and frequencies of electrical activity in dopamine midbrain neurons critical for emotional and cognitive processing. These findings suggest that impaired dopamine neuronal activity contributes to schizophrenia's negative symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and impaired motivation.
Researchers found that social media can instantly reach a large percentage of students to provide timely and accurate information during crisis situations. The study suggests that students are more likely to comply with emergency notifications received through social networking channels.
A phase 3 trial found eliglustat significantly improved spleen volume reduction by 30%, hemoglobin levels, and platelet count in adults with untreated Gaucher disease type 1. The treatment showed no serious adverse events or patient discontinuations.
Researchers identified the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene as a key player in Alzheimer's disease. Carriers of the deleterious MAPT allele are at increased risk for developing AD and experience accelerated brain atrophy.
Researchers have developed a simple and rapid device to detect volatile organic compounds on the breath, demonstrating potential for early lung cancer detection. The device can discriminate different kinds and concentrations of cancer-related biomarkers with high accuracy.
Robert McMahon, a renowned expert on aquatic invasive mollusks, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Invasive Species Council. He is recognized for his decades-long work in preventing and managing invasive species, including zebra mussels, Asian clams, and apple snails.
Measurements at BESSY II have shown how spin filters form within magnetic sandwiches, enhancing understanding of processes critical for future TMR data storage devices and other spintronic components. The discovery reveals new interfacial effects that strongly influence the amplitude of tunnel magnetoresistance.
Researchers will test electrically-small biomimetic antenna arrays inspired by insect ear systems to increase data rate and reduce size of mobile devices. The project aims to develop signaling techniques suitable for full potential of MIMO antennas, enabling faster communication speeds.
A study by New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that crowdsourcing using Amazon Mechanical Turk can produce high levels of agreement among listeners, even when individual responses are not highly accurate. With samples of nine or more AMT users, performance converges with that of ex...
A new study found that women who understand the risks of over-detection and over-diagnosis associated with mammography screening are less likely to have a breast screening test. The Lancet study suggests that clear decision support materials can help women make more informed decisions about their screening choices.
New research reveals interacting and cumulative time lags in biodiversity responses, exacerbating environmental degradation and ecosystem service losses.
A study found that varenicline was effective in helping smokers reduce their cigarette consumption and eventually quit. The medication produced greater reductions in smoking prior to quitting and increased smoking cessation rates at the end of treatment.
A new study from Columbia Business School suggests that using range offers in negotiations can lead to better settlements for the offer-maker without harming their relationship with the other party. Bolstering and bracketing range offers were found to be effective strategies, while backdown range offers were less successful.
Researchers discovered a key pathway driving tumour growth in bile duct cancer and found that blocking it can prevent cancer cell growth and shrink tumours. The treatment is already being tested in patients with other cancers and shows promise as a potential breakthrough for this devastating disease.
The Johns Hopkins Medicine has developed four web-based training modules on Ebola preparedness for emergency department personnel. These modules provide tools and resources to identify, triage, and manage patients at risk of Ebola, as well as planning processes and communication techniques.
Research suggests that exercising after a meal can lower blood sugar and fat levels, providing more benefits than exercising before dinner. The study found that resistance exercise performed after dinner had the most powerful effect on reducing glucose and fat levels.
A large survey of trafficking survivors found high rates of physical and psychological abuse, mental health problems, and hazardous living conditions. The study highlights the urgent need for access to healthcare and mental health support for survivors of human trafficking.
State-funded programs in California and Connecticut have contributed to an increase in stem-cell-related publications, with California benefiting most. The study suggests that state funding has established California as a leader in this emerging field, while Maryland and New York saw minimal impact on publication trends.
Researchers identified the anterior cingulate cortex as a key region in the teacher's brain involved in understanding students' mistakes. This finding provides insight into how teachers can guide student learning through meaningful feedback.
Researchers from University of Southampton develop new automated method for classifying hundreds of miles of the deep sea floor, creating broad-scale maps to estimate biodiversity hotspots. The maps cover approximately 125 miles across, using information on topography and sediment type to identify distinct 'geomorphological terrains'.
University of Iowa researchers have discovered that switchgrass can remove up to 40% of PCBs from contaminated soils, with a combined treatment boosting removal rates to 47%. The study suggests a natural and sustainable method for reducing the presence of toxic chemicals in the environment.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered a specific region of the brain that signals when a memory is being retrieved with high detail, enabling the prediction of recall order. This finding has significant implications for understanding and preserving memories in individuals with diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that teenagers who relied on executive function processes, particularly in the pre-frontal cortex, were more successful in losing weight. Successful programs involve repeated practice and ramping up challenges to executive control, such as computerized training and aerobic physical activity.
Nearly 3 in 5 pregnant teens report using substances in the previous 12 months, with alcohol and cannabis being the most commonly used. Engaged parents and academically involved teens show lower rates of substance use during pregnancy.
A Baylor University geologist has documented a severe decrease in precipitation in northern China 4,200 years ago, leading to desertification and mass migration of Neolithic cultures. The study sheds light on how populations respond and adapt to drastic climate change.
A new study reveals that plants have been highly resilient to mass extinction events, with negative rates of diversification never sustained for long periods. Plant groups such as flowering plants (angiosperms) experienced a rapid increase in diversity shortly after the Cretaceous-Paleogene asteroid impact.
Tropical Cyclone Lam formed in the northern Gulf of Carpentaria on Feb. 17, with NASA satellites capturing its cloud extent and rainfall rates. The storm is expected to intensify and make landfall into Arnhem Land before weakening.
The University of Waterloo has three researchers recognized as among Canada's top natural sciences and engineering researchers for 2015. Chris Eliasmith, David Blowes and Michael McTavish are making significant advancements in human brain research, environmental impact reduction and invasive species understanding through their work. Th...
Scientists have developed a new X-ray source to study how non-addictive painkillers work, revealing the target of binding to neuroreceptors. This breakthrough could lead to designing molecules to generate specific responses and address critical health issues related to opioid abuse.
A study using a tadpole model reveals parallels between fetal chemical exposure and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting altered neural anatomy and behavior. The research suggests that understanding this connection could lead to discovering mechanisms to prevent neurodevelopmental disorders.
Urbanization leads to more thunderstorm initiation events, posing dangers like lightning and flash floods with little warning. The risk is higher on weekdays due to increased aerosol levels from commuters.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique using ferumoxytol and MRI to visualize pancreatic inflammation in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The study found clear evidence of ongoing inflammation in the pancreas, which could help predict disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at TUM create self-assembled catalyst to facilitate terpene cyclization, enabling production of complex compounds like taxol, used in cancer treatment. The breakthrough yields higher yields and improves reaction feasibility.
Researchers have created a novel solid-state technology platform that enables the use of terahertz photonics in various applications. The new nanodetectors can detect frequencies greater than 3 THz and offer competitive noise equivalent powers with commercially available technologies.
A University of Minnesota study reveals that hunger increases intention to acquire nonfood objects, resulting in higher spending. Hungry shoppers opt for 70% more products and spend 64% more money than satiated counterparts.
A recent Finnish-Swiss-Belgian study finds that technology changes the teacher's role from a traditional knowledge provider into a facilitator guiding students' learning processes and engaging in joint problem-solving. Technology offers new types of learning possibilities, including interactive learning and teaching opportunities.
Researchers developed a new device, Bio-P3, to create and assemble 3D tissue constructs densely packed with living cells. The device can pick up, transport, and release multi-cellular microtissues with minimal effects on cell viability.
Researchers found a genomic marker that could help identify patients most likely to benefit from cabazitaxel, a newer member of the taxane family. The study suggests that cabazitaxel may be more effective sooner in treatment for some patients with prostate cancer.
Patients receiving fondaparinux had a lower risk of major bleeding events and death following a heart attack compared to those receiving low-molecular-weight heparin. This association was observed in both hospital settings and six months post-incident.
Researchers from the University of Vienna found cross-species parallels in song production and perception among animals. Some species, such as songbirds and parrots, can learn to produce new sounds and even identify beats, similar to human music abilities.
A survey of 2500 Dutch doctors found that 86% would consider helping a patient to die under certain circumstances. Attitudes towards euthanasia and assisted suicide varied by condition, with most willing to help patients with cancer or other physical diseases, but fewer for those with mental illnesses.
As of January 1, 2016, Elsevier will publish the flagship journals Kidney International and Kidney International Supplements from the International Society of Nephrology. These journals are highly regarded for their original research in nephrology and kidney disease.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pharmaceutical industry self-regulation in the UK and Sweden had significant violations, with nearly 20% of cases being serious breaches. The researchers analyzed complaints and rulings to find that charges incurred by companies were a small percentage of annual sales revenue.
The new material increases sensitivity and allows early detection of small particles in rapidly burning fires. Applications include specialist sensors for fire and gas detection, air pollution monitoring, and personal electronic devices.
The Journal of Cybersecurity is an open-access title that aims to tackle cybersecurity challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. It will publish high-impact research from various disciplines, including anthropology, computer science, economics, and psychology.
Scientists studied the impact of Deepwater Horizon oil on Pensacola Municipal Beach's microbial communities, finding that generalist microbes were most successful in expanding their populations. After a year, microbial populations buried in beach sands looked similar to pre-spill levels, with some unexplained differences.
Researchers have created a reliable growth curve for white sharks in the western North Atlantic, revealing they grow more slowly and mature later than initially estimated. The study found males reach maturity at around age 26 and females at around 33, leading to new estimates of population replacement rates.
Research reveals that Bangladeshi garment factory jobs lower the risk of early marriage and childbirth for young women, promoting their education. The industry's growth also boosts girls' educational attainment by 50% in areas close to factories.
A new study suggests that understanding species extinction can help drive cancer cells to annihilation. The authors identify two critical factors governing species resistance to extinction: evolveability and robustness to perturbations. These characteristics may have important correlates among some types of cancer cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that acetate supplements accelerate tumor growth and metastasis in mice. The study suggests that modulating acetate production could be a key to designing therapies for cancer patients.
A study found that TERT mRNA levels are highly predictive of aggressive bladder cancers, allowing doctors to recommend targeted treatments and improve patient outcomes. The study also suggests that telomerase reactivation is crucial for the progression of bladder cancers, highlighting a potential target for disease intervention.
A team of researchers from INRS developed novel graphenated-MWCNTs with enhanced field electron emission properties by decorating graphene sheets with gold nanoparticles. This innovation enhances the density of electron-emitting sites, improving FEE performance and opening new prospects for portable X-ray imaging systems.
A new study reveals that Broca's area, traditionally considered the command center for human speech, actually switches off when we speak out loud. This finding has major implications for diagnosing and treating stroke, epilepsy, and brain injuries that result in language impairments.
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University has developed a new radiation-resistant spintronic material that can maintain its spin-dependence after being irradiated. This breakthrough could enable electronic devices to work in harsh environments, such as space-based communications satellites.
A new study found that experiencing financial difficulties at university may increase the risk of female students developing an eating disorder. The study also found a 'vicious cycle' where negative attitudes towards food and eating can lead to short-term financial difficulties, further exacerbating negative eating attitudes.
A new study by University of Vermont researcher David Jones found that job ads focusing on what employers can provide to applicants, such as work autonomy and career advancement, attract more highly rated applicants. These ads received almost three times as many high-quality applications as those emphasizing demands-abilities fit.
Researchers have studied the formation and growth of chemical gardens, which produce colored forms resembling vegetable structures. By controlling the environment and reagent concentrations, they obtained reproducible structures such as flowers, filaments, or spirals.
Researchers identified super-enhancers in T cells as key to regulating the immune system, which may lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that these enhancers control genes involved in T cell function and activity.