A Loyola University Medical Center study found that antidepressant escitalopram reduces levels of two neurotoxic compounds associated with memory loss and dementia in severely depressed patients. The study suggests a potential link between depression and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
A study published in Journal of Communication found that 16% of Jewish Israeli Facebook users unfriended friends during the Israel-Gaza conflict due to political comments. Users who unfriended were more likely to be ideologically extreme and less supportive of free speech.
Researchers at Kobe University and AIST in Japan developed a technology to select high-affinity proteins that bind with membrane proteins, a key feature in controlling physiological functions. This discovery has potential applications in the development of new biopharmaceuticals for various drug targets, including cancer treatment.
A European study reveals alcohol-related conditions significantly contribute to socioeconomic inequality in total mortality among men in some countries. Rates of alcohol-related mortality are highest in individuals with less education or manual occupations across 17 European countries. The disparities are particularly pronounced in Eas...
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are building a wearable cognitive assistance system called Gabriel that provides instructions for tasks like repairing equipment or assembling furniture. The system uses a wearable vision system and taps into cloud computing via 'cloudlets' to enable real-time guidance.
The University of Illinois aims to increase the water use efficiency of sorghum by reducing transpiration through stomata and shifting photosynthetic activity. The project predicts a 40% improvement in water use efficiency, unlocking over 9 million new acres for energy crop production.
Researchers from the University of Virginia have received the 2015 Robert W. Cahn Best Paper Prize from Springer's Journal of Materials Science for their work on ytterbium silicate protective coatings. The study optimizes the deposition process for these coatings, which are crucial for advanced gas turbine engines.
A new study found that as country-level C-section rates increase up to 19%, maternal and neonatal mortality rates decline, while rates above 19% show no further improvement. The World Health Organization's recommended rate of 10-15% may be too low.
A recent study published in JAMA Network reveals that adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as asthma, hypertension, and arthritis. The study found significant differences in age-adjusted prevalence rates of these conditions between adults with CP and those without CP.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully engineered new diaphragm tissue in rats using stem cells and 3D scaffolds, which can regrow with the same complex mechanical properties as natural diaphragm muscle. The technique offers hope for a cure for congenital diaphragm malformations and possible future heart muscle repairs.
Researchers propose that plants 'decide' to thrive in certain environments, influencing biome productivity and composition. Nitrogen-fixing trees, which produce their own fertilizer, flourish in tropical zones but struggle in temperate forests, highlighting the importance of plant strategy in ecosystem evolution.
Chapman University has been awarded a $4 million U.S. Army Research Office grant to develop advanced methods for extracting information from continuous microwave signals. The project, led by Dr. Justin Dressel, aims to improve upon existing error correction methods using superconducting quantum bits.
By exploiting polarization of light, MIT researchers have developed a system that can increase the resolution of conventional 3D imaging devices up to 1,000 times. The technique uses coarse depth estimates and real-time calculations to provide high-quality 3D images.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that low doses of abscisic acid can reduce glycemia and insulinemia in both rats and humans. This finding has implications for developing new pharmacologic approaches to prevent or treat diabetes.
Researchers created a one-dimensional model of thrombus formation, similar to Tetris, and later expanded to a two-dimensional model. This allows them to study the dynamics of thrombus growth under various conditions, including damage to the vascular wall.
Researchers found a strong association between negative news stories about statins and early discontinuation, increasing the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular mortality. The study suggests that exposure to negative news can play a role in patients' decisions to stop taking their medication.
A new study found that higher cigarette taxes are strongly associated with lower infant mortality rates in the US. The association is stronger for African American infants than non-Hispanic white infants, which has implications for reducing disparities in infant mortality between the two groups.
Russian scientists have predicted a decrease in solar magnetic activity, which could lead to cooler temperatures in Europe. The researchers used analysis of solar radiation and isotopes to create a model that predicts the Sun's behavior over the next thousand years.
A study found that taking Truvada 'as needed' around periods of sexual activity reduced the risk of HIV transmission amongst men and transgender women at high-risk by 86%. The researchers suggest this approach can increase adherence to medication regimes, leading to improved prevention outcomes.
A randomized trial shows that cognitive-behavioral stress management improves survival and lengthens time to recurrence in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Women who received stress management training experienced greater length of survival and longer time till disease recurrence over eight to 15 years after diagnosis.
Researchers from Uppsala University implemented a Turing test to assess how good their mathematical models were at reproducing collective motion of real fish schools. Despite matching statistical properties, experts and public players could differentiate between simulated and real schools, highlighting areas for improvement.
A UCLA study found that less than 5% of men with low-risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance receive regular monitoring, putting them at risk of cancer progression. The study suggests that patients and doctors should agree on a follow-up schedule to closely monitor the cancer.
Researchers at National Research Tomsk State University found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy can stimulate evolution of the tumor, leading to resistance and metastasis. The study analyzed biopsies from women with breast cancer before and after surgery, revealing a 23% increase in new tumor formation.
New tools, MEGENA and SuperExactTest, help genomics researchers study hierarchical organization patterns in complex networks and compare large sets of data. These tools were published in PLoS Computational Biology and Scientific Reports.
Researchers discovered that antiretroviral therapies can interfere with myelin production in the brain, leading to cognitive impairments. The study suggests a need for rethinking HIV drug design and prescription, particularly for children, to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers studied the life cycle of Paracyphononyx scapulatus, a spider parasite that grows on a paralyzed host before killing it to feed. The study found that despite manipulating the host's behavior, the larva still killed its host and consumed it within 48 hours.
Cuttlefish use electrical fields to mask their presence from sharks, reducing the bioelectric field by up to 89% when arms are over siphons. This technology is used in combination with visual camouflage to protect against predation.
Hiroshima University researchers develop a new technique to prevent 'springback' in press-forming high-strength steel, a common problem that causes defects and environmental concerns. By eliminating this issue, they enable the mass production of lightweight cars with reduced emissions.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a fundamental flaw in the physics of photonic sintering, leading to improved product quality and process efficiency. The new understanding allows for high-quality products to be created at much lower temperatures, twice as fast and with 10 times more energy efficiency.
A polypill combining three cardio-protective medicines has been approved in 15 European countries and is being commercialized across Europe. The innovative approach aims to reduce societal burden and improve patient treatment, with the focus on increasing adherence to prescribed medication.
The global diet is getting sweeter, particularly when it comes to beverages, with many packaged foods containing caloric sweeteners. The World Health Organization promotes initiatives to reduce intake, but policies face challenges such as a lack of consensus on low-calorie sweetener substitutes.
A recent study reveals that poor countries are exposed to more aggressive tobacco marketing than affluent nations, with the majority of sales in low-income countries occurring through single cigarettes. This intense marketing can lead to a higher likelihood of young people starting to smoke and becoming lifelong smokers.
A recent study by an international group of evolutionary biologists has convincingly refuted the proposition that comb jellies are the phylogenetically oldest extant metazoan group. Sponges are now reaffirmed as the first phylum to diverge from the common ancestor of metazoans, restoring the classical view of early animal evolution.
Researchers found that magnesium-L-threonate alleviated cognitive decline in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease by suppressing Aβ deposition. The study suggests that magnesium ions target APH-1α/1β, inhibiting the aggregation of β-amyloid protein and resulting in improved cognitive function.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a new approach to imaging patients using Xbox gaming technology, which measures body-part thickness and checks for motion before taking X-rays. The technology aims to produce high-quality X-ray images at low radiation doses without repeating images.
A randomized trial found that metformin did not improve glycemic control after 6 months, despite reducing weight gain and insulin doses. The study included 140 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, aged 12-19 years, and was conducted at 26 pediatric endocrinology clinics.
Researchers at Ghent University found a worm globin protein that generates free radical signals, which are essential for reproductive cell generation and regulation of hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Genetic knockdown of the new globin results in sterility, suggesting a crucial role for this signaling process in biology.
Researchers have identified a new way in which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exploits the body's own immune system to persist in infected tissues. By understanding this process, new treatments may be developed to reduce complications from infection after prosthetic surgery.
The new risk management plan aims to prioritize data quality, reduce costs, and decrease attrition rates in imaging biomarker-driven trials. By identifying risks at trial initiation and allocating resources effectively, the framework can help minimize variability and ensure reproducibility of data.
A no-fault vaccine injury compensation fund is proposed to address liability concerns and ensure recipients are fairly compensated in rare cases of harm. The World Bank could oversee the program, which would provide rapid deployment of vaccines without hesitation due to liability concerns.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a new probabilistic model that allows robots to learn new skills by watching people and imitating them. The team combined child development research with machine learning approaches, inspired by infants' ability to infer adult intentions through self-exploration.
A pilot study reveals clinical workstations can be a reservoir for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitals. ATP testing identified MDROs on high-touch objects like chairs, clipboards, and keyboards more effectively than microbial swabbing.
A Drexel University study found that introducing healthier options to restaurants and supermarkets can increase consumer demand for nutritious foods, particularly in rural communities. The 10-month intervention program resulted in high levels of satisfaction among participating businesses, indicating the feasibility of such campaigns.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new immune mechanism that begins working even before interferon is produced, helping to prevent illnesses. This breakthrough sheds light on why some people are more prone to viral infections than others.
A new study reveals that cheating microbes, which rely on neighbors for enzyme production, slow down decomposition and increase microbial remains in the soil. This leads to a build-up of organic matter and specifically nitrogen in the soil.
A new study reveals that long-tailed tits thrive when parents alternate feeding trips, resulting in better nutrition and enhanced protection for their young. This unique strategy, similar to human late-night feeding shared among family members, has been shown to be beneficial for the family group.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that most children and adolescents with herniated disks in the lower spine have some type of spinal vertebrae malformation. The researchers analyzed x-rays of 63 patients under age 20 and found that nearly all had at least one type of malformation involving the lumbar spine and sacrum.
Burnout among U.S. physicians has increased by 10% over three years, with nearly all specialties affected. The study highlights the need for healthcare organizations to improve practice environments, reduce clerical burden, and provide greater flexibility for doctors.
A group of researchers from the University of Helsinki discovered viral DNA in bone samples from World War II casualties, providing a unique archive of past infections. This finding opens up new possibilities for studying ancient pandemics and improving disease prevention.
Researchers have described a new species of fossil baleen whale, Fucaia buelli, found in the North Pacific Ocean 30-33 million years ago. The whale's transitional teeth suggest it was an active hunter that likely used suction to capture prey.
Scientists have confirmed that blood vessel-like structures found in an 80 million-year-old hadrosaur fossil are original to the animal, not biofilm or contaminants. The discovery provides insight into how proteins can modify and change over millions of years.
Novel antiviral therapies for hepatitis C have transformed treatment, effectively reducing HCV in over 90% of cases. Enhanced screening and treatment efforts could virtually eliminate the disease within a decade by increasing treatment rates four-fold.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds that high-quality foster care can reduce the development of callous-unemotional traits in adolescents who experienced parent deprivation. The intervention also showed benefits for boys, particularly those with sensitive caregiver responses.
Hurricane Sandra's rainfall was extensively studied using NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data. The analysis showed that the hurricane produced over 700 mm of rainfall in an area northeast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
A new study uses MRI to diagnose childbirth injuries, revealing that up to a quarter of women suffer from fractures and muscle tears. Women may take eight months or longer to heal, and Kegel exercises often don't work as expected.
Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have engineered changes to the CRISPR-Cas9 system, significantly cutting down on 'off-target' editing errors. The newly-engineered enzyme, eSpCas9, will be useful for genome editing applications requiring high specificity.
Two studies found that higher cesarean delivery rates were not correlated with maternal or neonatal mortality, but rather inversely correlated with certain health problems in childhood. The researchers suggest that the optimal level of cesarean delivery may be higher than previously recommended.
A new approach to treating obesity involves embolizing the gastric artery to suppress appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin. Initial results show that three out of five morbidly obese patients experienced significant weight loss, including one patient who lost 50 pounds in nine months.
Researchers have developed a non-destructive sensing method to determine fish freshness in frozen state using autofluorescence spectroscopy. This technique offers high sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for rapid detection of freshness conditions.
A new study using MRI reveals that elite free divers experience cardiovascular changes during apnea, including a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Despite these changes, the divers' heart function recovers quickly upon breathing again.
Researchers found a 45% net increase in deaths from legal intervention between 1999 and 2013, with 96% of these deaths occurring among men. The study highlights significant disparities in mortality rates among different racial groups and geographic regions.
A comprehensive study led by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found complete surgical excision of the implant and surrounding capsule to be the most effective treatment approach for BI-ALCL, with significant improvements in event-free survival and overall survival compared to radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
A species of trap-jaw ant has been found to exhibit a previously unseen jumping behavior, using its legs rather than its powerful jaws. This species, Odontomachus rixosus, is the only known ant that can jump with either its legs or mandibles.
Research shows that higher C-section rates up to 19% can lead to lower maternal and neonatal mortality rates, while rates above 19% show no further improvement. This study suggests re-examining policy benchmarks for C-section rates on a country-wide level.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential new pathway for treating multiple sclerosis by suppressing granzyme B, an enzyme that damages nerve cells. By inhibiting granzyme B with serpina3n, they found significant reduction in MS symptoms in human cells and pre-clinical models.
A new study from the University of Michigan found adults with cerebral palsy are at a higher risk of developing secondary chronic health conditions. The research team analyzed data from over 207,000 adults and found that those with cerebral palsy were up to five times more likely to have conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
The National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence will relocate from GSA to the New York University College of Nursing in January 2016. The Center aims to increase gerontological nursing capacity and promote quality care for older adults.
Researchers from the University of Leicester warn that a six-degree Celsius increase in ocean temperature could stop oxygen production by phytoplankton, leading to catastrophic consequences. This would result in the depletion of atmospheric oxygen on a global scale, causing mass mortality of animals and humans.
Researchers have identified a network of nine genes that play a key role in the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. The study found that some genes delay the disease by up to 17 years, while others accelerate its progress.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered that an antibody called nivolumab may help patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer heal themselves by targeting the PD-1 signal. A phase II clinical trial found that most patients treated with nivolumab experienced a median overall survival of 20 months.
A study by researchers at Newcastle University found that images of watching eyes on litter reduced the odds of littering by around two thirds. The study showed that people are less likely to behave in an anti-social manner when they feel being watched, and this effect is only present when there are no other people nearby.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a small molecule that inhibits the function of 'disordered' protein p27, which may aid regeneration of sensory hair cells to combat hearing loss. The discovery raises broader hopes for drug development targeting disordered proteins in various diseases.
Research reveals that older individuals with lower cognitive abilities are more likely to be deterred by upfront costs when considering retirement savings products like annuities. This leads to a decrease in demand for these products and may impact the financial security of Baby Boomers as they age.
Researchers recorded simultaneous audio and visual evidence of knuckle cracking using ultrasound imaging. The study found a correlation between the audible crack and a bright flash on ultrasound, suggesting that the sound results from gas bubble dynamics in the joint.
A new interactive map created by Griffith University researchers has been developed to increase understanding of the complex UN climate regime. The map charts the interactions between over 300 institutions involved in the regime and aims to break down 'silos' that hinder effective policy making.
A newly discovered collection of rare dinosaur tracks in Scotland is helping scientists shed light on some of the biggest animals to have lived on land. The footprints, made by plant-eating sauropods around 170 million years ago, suggest these dinosaurs grew to at least 15 meters in length and weighed over 10 tonnes.
Dr Erica Gold's £360,000 project defines the West Yorkshire accent to assist forensic speech comparison in criminal cases. The study aims to address the scarcity of population data and variability in speech across different speaker groups.
A new scientific model developed by Michigan State University researchers provides a better understanding of depression and its complex drivers. The model, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, incorporates various biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to the illness.
A large Kaiser Permanente study contradicts previous concerns that antidepressants reduce tamoxifen's effectiveness in lowering subsequent breast-cancer risk. Researchers found no increased risk of recurrence among women who took antidepressants with tamoxifen.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that walnuts may provide 146 calories per serving, 39 calories less than the previously listed 185 calories. The research used bomb calorimetry to calculate metabolizable energy and took into account the digestibility of walnut pieces.
A study by McGill University researchers reveals that early exposure to a language shapes the brain's ability to process sounds from a second language later in life. Brain imaging showed that children who were adopted into French-speaking families and no longer spoke Chinese still had brains processing language similarly to bilingual c...
A new theoretical model suggests that investing too much in backup plans can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals are more likely to use well-developed backup plans and less likely to invest in their primary goal. This can lead to reduced success and motivation.
The book offers a positive agenda for climate change mitigation in Asia, providing concrete actions from an Asian perspective to influence COP 21 discussions. Successful examples of policy development and sector-specific activities are highlighted, offering practical guidelines for policymakers worldwide.
A recent RMIT University study found that a father's diet before conception can affect the mental health of their unborn children. The research discovered that genetic changes caused by the father's diet were passed on to the next generation, leading to differences in anxiety levels and behavior.
A $400,000 NSF-funded study at RIT examines workplace trends in photonics and optics to prepare students for emerging jobs. The research identifies key math, physics, and communication skills used in the industry.
A new antibody called ACE910 has shown promising results in reducing the need for frequent injections in patients with severe hemophilia A. The study found that ACE910 is safe and effective in preventing excessive bleeding, even in patients who develop antibodies to existing treatments.
Researchers identified 30 genes influencing ageing process across three species, finding that blocking these genes extended lifespan by at least five percent. The bcat-1 gene, which degrades branched-chain amino acids, was found to be particularly influential in extending nematode lifespan.
Researchers found that healthy people are willing to pay for life-saving treatments due to fear of future illness, even if they don't have a disease. This 'hidden demand' could transform medical innovation and allocation of research funds.
Prof Elizabeth Hillman has received a $1.83 million NIH BRAIN Initiative grant to further develop SCAPE, a high-speed 3D microscope that images neurons in large brain volumes. This breakthrough technique surpasses previous speed barriers, enabling scientists to study neural activity and circuit function.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation approved $1.5 million funding for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to combat Striga hermonthica, a destructive parasitic weed in sub-Saharan Africa. The research aims to enhance food security for millions by providing lifesaving control methods.
A feasibility study found that women with breast cancer experienced improved feelings of positivity, control, and meaning after tending small indoor 'garden bowls'. The benefits were attributed to the process of nurturing and reflecting on the garden, suggesting a simple ecotherapy-based intervention can have significant impacts.
Researchers have developed software for the Microsoft Kinect gaming console that measures body part thickness and checks for motion, positioning, and beam adjustment immediately before X-ray imaging. This technology aims to reduce radiation exposure and improve image quality for diagnostic accuracy.
Scientists have found fossilized peach pits over 2.5 million years old in southwest China, providing new insights into the fruit's evolutionary history. The discovery suggests that peaches evolved through natural selection before humans domesticated them.
Amar Flood's team at IU has created a tricarb molecule that self-assembles into flower-shaped crystalline patterns, a breakthrough in materials science. The team plans to use computer-aided design software to virtually experiment with millions of molecular compounds, reducing the time and cost of creating new materials.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that Type 2 diabetes is caused by excess fat in the pancreas, which can be removed through weight loss. Losing just one gram of pancreatic fat can reverse the condition and restore normal insulin function, regardless of body weight or method of weight loss.
Three large clinical trials provide compelling data on the benefits of starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) early in HIV infection, outweighing theoretical risks. The results also show that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces HIV transmission among high-risk populations.
A new study found that patients who undergo hip-replacement surgery experience a surge in pain medication use before and immediately after surgery, but this trend reverses in the long term. Medication use for insomnia and anxiety also increases before surgery and decreases afterward.
A University of Houston researcher is investigating the effect of dispersants on bacterial movement towards oil spills, aiming to understand natural cleaning processes and inform future spill cleanup strategies. The study will answer fundamental questions about human intervention's impact on bacteria's role in biodegradation.
Researchers have developed a rolling DNA-based motor that's 1,000 times faster than any other synthetic DNA motor, offering potential for real-world applications in disease diagnostics. The new motor uses a burnt-bridge mechanism to guide its movement, allowing it to travel one centimeter in seven days.
A new study suggests that many Europeans experience despondent and stressed feelings during the pre-Christmas period, but Christians, particularly those with high religious affiliation, tend to be more positive and content. Higher education levels and family presence also help individuals cope with the holiday stress.
A new study found that openly sharing patient satisfaction metrics created a culture of empathy, communication, trust, and shared decision making between patients and providers at University of Utah Health Care. This led to improved patient outcomes and cultural change in healthcare.
The World Bank's new 'Power of Nutrition' fund aims to promote breastfeeding and reduce undernutrition in developing countries. Investments in this area could transform the health and economy of these nations, particularly during the critical first two years of a child's life.
A Baylor University study finds that advertising and public relations education lacks essential skills for success in social media. The research recommends incorporating business literacy, math, online community management, and media planning into courses to address these gaps.
A new Black-eyed Satyr species has been described in honor of Sir David Attenborough. The butterfly's unique characteristics led researchers to define its taxonomic placement, which was confirmed by DNA data.
Rice University researchers use engineered viruses that respond to red light to overcome the challenge of delivering genes into host cells' nuclei. By incorporating light-responsive proteins, they successfully control viral activity and gene expression in target cells.
The study reveals that traffic is the largest source of urban air pollution, responsible for 25% of particulate matter. Domestic fuel burning and industrial activities also contribute significantly to air pollution, with regional variations observed.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers found that posttraumatic stress disorder is caused by an imbalance between two neurochemical signalling systems: serotonin and substance P. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of imbalance, not just one system.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a virtually perfect single layer of 'white graphene,' featuring high mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and transparency. This breakthrough material could enable faster data transfers and improve the performance of electronic devices.
A newly discovered exoplanet, HD 106906 b, may have been violently ejected from its birthplace close to its star due to a recent gravitational disturbance. The planet is surrounded by a large dust ring or shroud, which could be evidence of the violent episode.
A new study identifies 91 countries at risk from the 'green cancer' miconia tree's expansion, despite warming. The invasive plant's ability to infest territories will not be hindered, but its growth may slow in some areas by 2080.
Researchers found that Ebola virus blood levels are strong predictors of fatality, with case fatality ratios increasing with viremia levels. The study used laboratory and clinical data from 699 patients to model the association between viremia and CFR.
Scientists have discovered that the length of a living organism's 24-hour internal clock remains constant despite temperature fluctuations. The study found that external pathways sensitive to temperature cue the clock to skip ahead or backward, while the core mechanisms within the clock itself remain insensitive to temperature.
A new study by MIT researchers reveals that US states have become more liberal since the 1930s, with a small turn to the left in recent years. The study also shows that regional differences in state-level policies have become more pronounced, with the South becoming more conservative and the Northeast and West Coast becoming more liberal.
A new study found that underage drinkers prefer certain beer brands more than others based on their age and ethnicity. Bud Light was the most popular brand across all demographic groups, while Smirnoff Malt Beverages ranked high among racial and ethnic groups.