Researchers at NIPS found that mutual gaze synchronizes spontaneous brain activity in interacting parties, indicating its importance in social interactions. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor brain activity during sustained eye contact.
Researchers warn of declining crop production in the US Midwest, with global implications, and propose a coordinated field research network to gather precise data on crop performance and management practices.
Researchers discovered a bacterium that can use direct uptake of electrons from an electrode to fuel its metabolic pathway. This finding suggests the existence of electro-ecosystems, where microorganisms sustain life by electrical current, not relying on inorganic substances or light.
Manylabs, a non-profit organization, has opened an open science workspace in San Francisco, offering a collaborative environment for scientists, educators, and innovators. The facility provides lab benches, tools, and prototyping materials, as well as a sunny open office and rooftop sensor test range.
The ESMO Asia 2015 Congress brought together cancer experts to discuss the latest treatment solutions and patient care. Researchers presented promising findings on immunotherapy and targeted therapy for difficult-to-treat head-and-neck cancers, as well as combination therapies for endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
A new, inexpensive, and quick method for detecting tuberculosis has been devised, using a nucleic acid amplification test on disposable electrochemical sensors. The modified test, which involves a colorimetric assay that changes to blue if the infection is present, can be performed with minimal equipment and expertise.
Researchers found that children from low-income environments are at a higher risk of neurological impairment than those from more economically secure circumstances. The study suggests that maternal stress hormones during pregnancy and maltreatment may contribute to this increased risk.
The FORTIS sounding rocket will study the properties of galaxy NGC 1365, also known as the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy. Scientists aim to quantify how much material is flowing in and out of the galaxy by analyzing light emitted and absorbed by different types of hydrogen.
A study of 30 patients found that surgery effectively controlled hypercalcemia, normalized parathyroid hormone levels, and improved bone density. In contrast, medication only controlled excess calcium in 67% of cases, with no effect on PTH or slowing the decline in bone density.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in protein structure prediction and design, enabling the creation of new proteins with unprecedented accuracy. By leveraging computational design and collaborative efforts, scientists can now devise amino acid sequences that fold into novel structures, far surpassing what is predicted to ...
A study found that common CF screening tests do not adequately cover genetic variants present in non-white populations, leading to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes. The researchers recommend expanding testing to include more diverse genetic analysis methods to address this disparity.
Researchers at New York University found that individuals with autism have unstable blood vessels, disrupting brain function and circulation. The study identified a correlation between angiogenesis and neurogenesis, potentially leading to novel therapeutic interventions.
Icequakes in Arctic glaciers may help predict future ice flow and sea level rise. New research finds that the Sabatier process can create life at cooler temperatures than previously thought.
A study of 235 lakes across six continents found that they are warming at an average rate of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, outpacing ocean and atmospheric warming rates. This rapid warming can lead to increased algal blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and changes in aquatic life.
According to the American Heart Association's 2016 statistics update, cardiovascular disease is the top killer in both the US and globally. Key risk factors include hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which contribute to an estimated one in three deaths in the US in 2013.
A new study by UTSA professor Max Kilger delves into the human component of cybersecurity, highlighting the unique motivations of cyberterrorists. The research reveals that financial gain is a primary motivator for these attacks, making them a significant and growing threat.
A study by Tohoku University researchers has clarified how external driving forces, such as magnetic fields and electric currents, affect magnetic structures. The findings suggest that the actions of these forces on the structure are fundamentally different.
A recent study found that widespread tree mortality from mountain pine beetles can reduce water availability due to increased evaporation, rather than increasing streamflow. This challenges previous assumptions and offers new insights for managing healthier forests that are more resistant to drought.
A new cellular structure responsible for previously unexplained rejection of organ transplants has been identified. Researchers have found a way to neutralize the enzyme driver of this structure, which could revolutionize transplantation practice by modifying risk assessment of rejection.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that 'cleared' abandoned ski runs consistently recovered to blend in with surrounding forests, while 'graded' runs showed stunted recovery. The study highlights the need for active restoration of abandoned graded ski slopes to protect water quality.
Researchers from Cardiff University and Charles Owen Inc. have developed a novel 3D-printed material called C3, which can improve the safety of athletes and others by better absorbing and dissipating impact. The material has been awarded $250,000 to further develop its potential.
A new study investigates the relationships between genetic background, physical activity level, and lifespan. The findings reveal that same genetic factors affect physical activity level, aerobic capacity, and lifespan in both animal models and human twins. Voluntary running improved glucose metabolism but did not increase lifespan in ...
A national survey found that men rank getting help from friends and family as highly important for addressing depression symptoms, with a score of 7.7 on an importance scale. In contrast, women prefer professional counseling more highly. Experts emphasize the need to overcome barriers and promote trustworthy mental health resources.
Archaeologists uncover skeletal remains, swords and spearheads from 55 BC battle, confirming Caesar's presence on Dutch soil. The discovery highlights the brutal suppression of two Germanic tribes by Roman general Julius Caesar.
An international team of scientists discovered that fewer landslides occurred after the 2015 Nepal earthquake than initially thought. The research used satellite imaging to analyze the region and found no large floods from overflowing glacial lakes.
A study published in The BMJ found that Americans do not have better teeth than the English, with higher rates of missing teeth and poorer oral health reporting. The US also experiences wider educational and income-related oral health inequalities compared to England.
LGBT migrants who obtained refuge or asylum in the US or Canada report extensive recollections of abuse by parents, peers, and school personnel. They experienced severe and prolonged verbal, physical, and sexual abuse throughout childhood and adolescence, with few resources available to them.
Scientists at PTB have successfully measured the anomalous velocity in a GaAs semiconductor with sub-picosecond time resolution, providing new insights into its microscopic origins and potential applications. The study enables the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic contributions to the anomaly.
A small study found that watching horror movies significantly increased blood coagulant factor VIII levels in young and healthy adults, suggesting a physiological response to fear. The researchers argue that this increase is an evolutionary adaptation to prepare the body for blood loss during life-threatening situations.
Researchers found that increasing energy expenditure with brown or brite/beige fat cells could be an effective way to fight obesity. The study suggests harnessing the body's natural mechanism of converting white fat cells into beige fat cells by using heat production and increasing the sympathetic nervous system's supply of blood vessels.
A recent study published in Human Relations found that Santa Claus performers experience unease and threat due to the cultural re-association of the character with exploitative male sexuality. To address this, performers engage in self-management techniques, including having female staff present, to maintain the character's innocence.
A new coaching program at Northwestern University is boosting the persistence of underrepresented minority and female Ph.D. students towards academic careers. The program, which includes guidance from diverse coaches and peers, has shown positive results in increasing confidence and reducing feelings of pressure and isolation.
A nanotechnology breakthrough from DTU allows printing of high-resolution data and colour images at 127,000 DPI, comparable to weekly magazines.
A new University of Washington study confirms that composting food scraps is the right thing to do for the environment. Composting significantly reduces methane emissions from landfills compared to sending food waste to landfills.
A proposed technique developed by a Penn State-led research team enhances oil recovery rates by up to 78-90% and sequesters more carbon dioxide. The model uses horizontal drilling and supercritical carbon dioxide to extract light components from the oil.
Researchers defined the makeup of synaptic clefts, the gaps between nerve cells, and found dynamic structures that can be altered by genetic mutations. The study sheds light on potential causes of autism and related disorders, including increased risk for drug addiction and impaired learning and memory.
Researchers at the Salk Institute used genetic techniques to visualize three brain cell types in the visual cortex, shedding light on how the brain processes visual information. The study provides new insights into neural circuits and their potential implications for neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies found that genes play a smaller role in intelligence among US participants from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that robust healthcare systems in other countries buffer the negative effects of poverty on genetic potential.
Research found that immigrant parents in Canada had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. The study also identified specific countries with higher rates of preterm birth among certain groups.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley demonstrate record-breaking NMR/MRI signal sensitivity through hyperpolarization of carbon-13 nuclei in diamond. The technique enables orders of magnitude sensitivity enhancement for NMR studies under ambient conditions.
Researchers are developing a noninvasive brain-scanning technology that could produce images far superior to those obtained with electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. The technique, called acoustoelectric brain imaging (ABI), involves applying ultrasound waves externally to the brain.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that antibiotics alone can be a safe and effective treatment for children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The non-operative management was associated with less recovery time, lower health costs, and no difference in complications at one year.
Humpback whales' diets reflect surrounding environmental changes, while harbor porpoises recolonize San Francisco Bay and sea otters help restore ecosystem health. New research highlights the West Coast's diverse marine mammals and their responses to climate change.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created a clinically relevant mouse model of human breast cancer, bearing resemblance to the most prevalent form of breast cancer. The model, '184AA3,' will enable testing of therapies for aggressive ER+ breast cancers and studying the biology and etiology of luminal cancers.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nonoperative management with antibiotics was an effective treatment strategy for children with uncomplicated appendicitis, resulting in fewer disability days and lower healthcare costs. The study also showed no difference in health-related quality of life at one year.
Researchers used fMRI to identify brain areas linked to Christmas spirit, including the primary motor and parietal lobules. The study's findings could advance understanding of festive cultural traditions and help patients with Christmas spirit deficiencies.
Simon Singh, a renowned science writer and broadcaster, is receiving the 2016 JPBM Communications Award for Expository and Popular Books. The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) will also receive the award for Public Outreach. MoMath enhances public understanding of mathematics through its dynamic exhibits and programs.
Researchers developed a glass coating that boosts solar cell efficiency by up to 27.7% and repels dust and pollution, addressing the issue of fixed panel angles and self-cleaning capabilities.
The University of Hawaii will develop a large-scale data visualization system, CyberCANOE, using a $857,000 NSF grant. The system will provide an alternative approach to ultra-resolution display environments and enable researchers to work together more effectively with large amounts of data.
Researchers have developed a road material that de-ices itself by releasing de-icing salt as it wears away, potentially eliminating the need for annual salt applications. The new composite, combining potassium formate with styrene-butadiene-styrene and bitumen, significantly delays ice formation in lab studies.
Female Drosophila flies avoid laying eggs near parasitic wasps due to an innate early warning system that detects their odor. The study identified the specific olfactory circuit responsible for this detection, revealing a highly specific and efficient defense mechanism against predators.
A new study reveals that musclin, a peptide released during exercise, improves muscle's capacity for energy production and increases exercise tolerance. The research shows that increased levels of circulating musclin trigger a signaling cascade that promotes muscle performance.
A Yale-led study suggests that species rarity may be a key indicator of mass extinctions, which could provide an early warning system for the current biotic crisis. The researchers propose that monitoring changes in species and ecosystems can help scientists pinpoint mass extinctions before they become catastrophic.
Researchers present genetic and morphological evidence that terrestrial green algae are the ancestors of modern land plants, contradicting long-held theories. The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of plant evolution and adaptation to life on land.
The 2015 Monitoring the Future survey found decreasing use of illicit drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids and heroin, among teens. Marijuana use remained stable, but perception of its harms continued to decline. Prescription opioid abuse and tobacco product use also decreased, while e-cigarette use remained a concern.
Researchers discovered that millions of bacteria in water pipes and purification plants help purify drinking water. The diversity of species is huge, with over 80,000 bacteria per milliliter detected in one study.
Researchers developed an easy-to-use app to capture accurate global cause of death data, addressing the issue of unregistered deaths worldwide. The app was field-tested in various countries, showing promising results in making diagnoses with computer models.
A new study from UTA explores the motivations behind adult learners' decision to pursue an engineering degree. Adult learners aged 25 and older are driven by perceived prestige and high career goals, including graduate school or internships. The study offers recommendations for campus policies and practices to support these students.
A study of fossil corals and mollusk shells reveals no connection between strong seasonal variations and El Niño, contradicting top nine climate models. The research provides insight into the fundamental physics of El Niño and highlights deficiencies in current climate modeling.
Adolescents separated from their fathers experience increased stress and transient depression symptoms four to nine months following separation. However, these symptoms typically disappear over time. The study highlights the importance of informal support or therapy for young adults whose parents have recently separated.