Research highlights the benefits of experiential purchases, finding that anticipating experiences brings more happiness than waiting for material goods. In contrast, wealth and abundance may undermine appreciation for everyday moments, while temporarily giving something up can provide a route to happiness.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a major breakthrough in developing a metal-free catalyst that performs as well as costly metal catalysts in an acidic fuel cell. The new carbon-based catalyst corrodes less and is more durable than traditional materials, paving the way for low-cost clean energy production.
Researchers at the Technion have confirmed the biological purpose for the seemingly counterintuitive setup of photoreceptors and neurons in the human eye. The retina is optimized for vision purposes, with Müller glia cells concentrating light into photoreceptors.
Researchers have devised a clonal strategy to ensure adult epidermal stem cells meet the highest safety criteria before use in treatments. The approach involves cultivating, genetically modifying and testing individual cells to guarantee their viability and safety.
Researchers found that an intermittent feast-and-famine diet increased sirtuin proteins, which promote longevity and protect against age-related diseases. The diet also decreased insulin levels, potentially having an anti-diabetic effect.
Research reveals an association between aggressive tendencies and increased physical strength in adolescent males, which may be linked to evolutionary pressures.
A UT Dallas researcher challenged a long-held scientific theory about the role of the hippocampus in unconscious memory. The study used EEG to test brain wave patterns in amnesia patients with damaged hippocampuses, revealing that the hippocampus is involved in processing unconscious memories.
Researchers found that Reduced-Impact Logging (RIL) has little effect on bird, bat, and large mammal populations in Central Guyanese rainforests. RIL is a cost-effective option for timber companies to ensure long-term sustainability of biodiversity-rich tropical forests.
Researchers are using social media to study personality, mental health, and cross-cultural differences. Studies have found that language patterns on Twitter and Facebook can predict heart disease risk and emotional stability, while open-vocabulary analysis reveals connections between words and personality traits.
Researchers have found that birds can sense the earth's magnetic field and use it to orient themselves. The cryptochrome protein is thought to play a key role in this process.
A new study published in Geology reveals a close correlation between solar activity and sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic during cool periods over the last 4,000 years. The research sheds light on the importance of solar forcing in shaping climate change patterns, providing a crucial piece of the overall climate puzzle.
A recent study by the University of Basel analyzed new drugs approved by the FDA from 2003 to 2013, revealing that several parameters have improved efficiency. The researchers found that market access is not inefficient, but rather dependent on collaboration between industry and authorities.
A computational tool, dSysMap, has been developed to interpret the effect of genetic mutations on the development of complex diseases. The tool positions over 23,000 documented genetic mutations on a map of known interactions between human proteins.
A new study found that people with depression release less of a natural pain and stress-reducing chemical called natural opioids when rejected, prolonging the pain of social rejection. In contrast, they experience relatively better feelings when someone they're interested in likes them back, but only momentarily.
Researchers studied plain wrens' precise phrase-by-phrase modifications to achieve careful coordination in their duets. The study found that females perform longer intervals when their mates don't answer, and males modify intervals based on both the phrase type sung and the female's response.
A study by Spanish scientists confirms that exposure to persistent organic pollutants in the body is linked to higher levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and obesity. The researchers analyzed nearly 300 men and women and found a correlation between pollutant levels and health risks.
Hospitals participating in ACS NSQIP improve surgical outcomes, including reduced death rates, complications, and surgical site infections. Over time, these improvements continue to accumulate, enabling hospitals to prevent significant patient harm.
A new study by University of Vermont neurologist Andrew Solomon and colleagues reports that MS patients want to know the details of their physicians' financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies. The study found that disclosure of these relationships can influence patients' decisions to participate in clinical trials.
The NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of ZMapp, an experimental Ebola treatment. The study will enroll adults and children with known Ebola infection and compare the treatment to standard care.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a simple and effective way to untangle DNA using a 'rolling droplet' technique. The method involves injecting genetic material into a droplet of water and dragging it over a glass plate covered with a sticky polymer, resulting in longer and straighter DNA strands that can be studied under a microscope.
Columbia University researchers successfully converted human skin cells into hypothalamic neurons, a type that regulates appetite. These neurons provide a patient-specific model for studying the neurophysiology of weight control and testing potential therapies.
A new UT Arlington study finds that employees who receive electronic correspondence from work after hours become angry more often than not, interfering with their personal lives. The researchers identified two categories of workers: segmentors who separate work and personal life, and integrators who want to stay connected with work.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that 10% of CLL patients discontinued ibrutinib therapy due to disease progression. Patients who experienced Richter's transformation or progressive CLL had poorer outcomes and required alternative therapy quickly after discontinuation.
Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital have discovered a new mechanism driving cancer cell metastasis, focusing attention on the biological role of DENND2B protein. The study highlights Rab13 as an enzyme promoting cell migration in cancer cells.
University of Utah engineers create a filter for separating different frequencies in the terahertz spectrum, a key step towards utilizing this bandwidth for commercial use. The filter can be fabricated using an off-the-shelf inkjet printer and has the potential to boost data transmission rates by thousands of times.
A unique combination of ecological, environmental, and behavioral factors led to the abundant production and preservation of Early Triassic swim tracks. Delayed ecologic recovery, depositional environments, and tetrapod swimming behavior contributed to their formation.
Scientists developed a mathematical law for pedestrian interactions based on time until collision, revealing consistent patterns in crowd behavior. The model can be used to predict potential dangers in sporting events and festivals, as well as improve public space design.
Researchers found that patients who received chemotherapy after bladder cancer surgery had improved overall survival rates compared to those who underwent surgery alone. The study analyzed over 5,600 patients and demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality risk.
Researchers are advancing blood biomarker capabilities using the Simoa technology, which offers unprecedented improvement in sensitivity proteins for detecting traumatic brain injury. The technology allows for more effective measurement of low concentrations of proteins such as tau, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A new model developed by Iñigo de la Parra simulates power fluctuations in large grids of photovoltaic power stations, enabling operators to optimize energy efficiency and reduce costs. The model helps to comply with grid codes and provides a solution for companies setting up large-scale photovoltaic plants.
Scientists capture first detailed images of ultra-small bacteria, average volume of 0.009 cubic microns, with unique internal structure and metabolism. The discovery sheds light on the role of microbes in climate, food and water supply, and ecosystems.
A recent study published in the IBD Journal found significant racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of children with Crohn's disease. Black children had a 1.5 times higher frequency of hospital readmissions due to Crohn's disease compared to white children.
Research reveals spatial clusters of personality traits within cities, states, and countries, with associations between life satisfaction, terrain preference, and self-esteem. Studies also explore the role of geography in shaping individual behavior and well-being.
Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes found that HIV remains active as infected cells transition to rest, controlled by the virus's Tat protein. This independent control allows the virus to survive even if host cells are inactive, making it harder to cure the infection.
Suicide rates among US adults aged 40-64 have increased by 40% since 1999, with a sharp rise since 2007. Economic factors such as job loss, bankruptcy, and foreclosure are being identified as contributing to this trend.
Researchers developed a new test analyzing 'immune hotspots' to predict breast cancer survival. The test uses statistical software to track the immune system's reaction to tumors, identifying those who need intensive treatment.
Tropical Cyclone Glenda is being stretched out by wind shear over the Southern Indian Ocean, according to NASA's Terra satellite imagery. The storm's maximum sustained winds have dropped to near 45 knots as it moves south at 7 knots.
Researchers use statistical mechanics to model a zombie outbreak, finding that cities fall quickly but less populated areas take weeks to infect. The ideal hideout is the northern Rockies, where survivors can prepare for months before zombies reach.
Researchers identified distinct immune changes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), providing robust physical evidence of the disease's biological nature. The study's findings could improve diagnosis and treatment options for the debilitating disorder.
Disney Research develops a new platform to automate aspects of authoring interactive narratives, allowing users more control over storylines and resolving narrative inconsistencies. The IBTs enable authors to create free-form experiences with multiple story arcs.
Researchers at the University of Manchester and DSM have developed a single-step method for producing pravastatin, a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug. This breakthrough reduces the cost and complexity of statin production through reprogramming of the Penicillium chrysogenum fungus.
Researchers have created a new method to monitor the effect of anti-cancer drugs on rare leukaemia stem cells, enabling personalized treatment and potential cure. The approach involves testing small samples of cells with a novel technology platform.
The Curiosity robot has confirmed an episodic increase in methane concentration in Mars' atmosphere, which may indicate the presence of biological activity. The detection is based on detailed analysis of data collected during 605 Martian days and is attributed to the tunable laser spectrometer in the SAM instrument.
The Anderson Algorithm increases surgical success in advanced ovarian cancer by providing a personalized approach to surgery, resulting in high complete resection rates of over 86%. This milestone is strongly tied to improved survival outcomes for patients.
Researchers at Cornell University have modeled a methane-based, oxygen-free life form that can metabolize and reproduce like life on Earth. The theorized cell membrane, called an azotosome, is composed of small organic nitrogen compounds and shows stability and flexibility similar to Earth's phospholipid membranes.
Researchers applied an electric field to a section of the Keystone pipeline, smoothing oil flow and reducing pump energy savings. The Applied Oil Technology (AOT) device produced significant reductions in viscosity and turbulence, leading to a 75% decrease in pump power from 2.8 megawatts to 0.7 megawatts.
Research from the University of Waterloo suggests that intimate partners with low self-esteem resist addressing problems, fearing rejection and negative outcomes. This can lead to greater overall dissatisfaction in the relationship.
Researchers have discovered a neuroprotective compound that limits brain damage during ischemia associated with stroke and other brain injuries while minimizing side effects. The pH-dependent NMDA receptor antagonist, 93-31, reduces damaged brain tissue by over half in mouse models.
A recent study found that new mothers experiencing higher social stressors have a 2.5 times higher odds of having only partial or no restrictions on smoking in their home, exposing infants to secondhand smoke. The researchers identified statistically significant socio-demographic and socio-economic trends in home smoking rules, highlig...
Researchers have developed a new method to protect computer chips using advanced 3D optical imaging and photon encryption, making them virtually uncounterfeitable. The system replaces traditional electronic part numbers with compressed QR codes that can be scaled down to the size of microns.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) recognizes excellence in gerontological education and training. The recent award recipients include Suzanne R. Kunkel, Jennifer C. Mendez, Dena Shenk, Eleanor Krassen Covan, Feliciano Villar, Montserrat Celdran, Josep Fabà, Graham D. Rowles, Katherine Humber, Tina Kruger Newsha...
A new species of algae has been found in reef corals of the Persian Gulf, enabling them to survive in extremely high temperatures. This discovery provides hope for coral reefs to adapt to climate change, but also highlights other threats such as pollution and nutrient enrichment.