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.