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.