A $1.35 million grant will fund research on predicting deadly avian flu outbreaks by understanding the influenza virus's transmission from birds to humans. The team, led by Lukas Tamm of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, aims to develop a new tool for predicting outbreak risk based on viral envelope changes.
Researchers identified individual neurons in the medial temporal lobe that changed their firing to encode new associations at the exact moment of the experience. This finding may lead to a better understanding of memory loss and new methods to fight it in Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.
A recent study found that antipsychotic medication use declined in children under 12 years old between 2006 and 2010, while increasing in adolescents and young adults. Boys are more likely than girls to receive antipsychotic prescriptions for conditions like ADHD.
A University of Maryland study has found that extreme heat and precipitation events are associated with increased risk of Salmonella infections, particularly in coastal areas. The research team identified a disproportionate impact on coastal communities, highlighting the need for public health preparedness and response to climate change.
The likelihood of food shortages looms due to rising fossil-fuel energy costs and transportation infrastructure breakdowns. Researchers warn that new sustainable technologies are needed to preserve, store, and transport food products effectively, as the capacity of microorganisms grows exponentially with temperature increases.
A new treatment for children with neuroblastoma has shown promise in a phase I study, with minimal side effects and long-term survival of three patients. The drug DFMO targets an important cancer stem cell pathway to 'turn cells off,' potentially preventing relapse.
Researchers study insect leg shapes to improve thin-walled tube safety in aircraft and hospital equipment. They find that non-circular cross sections can be designed without compromising mechanical strength, inspired by nature.
A study of nearly 1,000 teens found that sexually active obese adolescents were significantly less likely to use contraception than normal weight peers. Obese adolescents who did use contraception were also less likely to use it consistently, according to the University of Michigan Health System study.
The study found that antipsychotic medication use increased among adolescents and young adults, with males being more likely to use it than females. However, most office visits by children and adolescents with antipsychotic treatment did not include a clinical diagnosis of bipolar mania, schizophrenia, or autism.
A study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that eating at restaurants consumes more calories, fat, and sodium than eating at home. African-Americans who dine out take in more total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar.
A new Pew Research analysis finds that public attitudes on climate change and energy policy are strongly intertwined with political party affiliation and ideology. However, politics play a more modest role on views about biomedical science, food safety, and space.
A new study using high-resolution simulations suggests that there are far fewer faint galaxies than previously thought. The Renaissance Simulations, conducted on the Blue Waters supercomputer, show hundreds of well-resolved galaxies and provide novel predictions for the James Webb Space Telescope.
Fred Ogden's discovery answers a long-standing question about water movement in the vadose zone, crucial for agriculture, hydrology, and climate science. The new equation improves the accuracy and computing power of hundreds of important water models.
A new study found that different plant species in standing water influence mosquito larvae growth, survival and egg-laying habits. Native blackberry leaves seemed to attract mosquitoes but hindered larval development, while non-native plants like Amur honeysuckle increased adult mosquito populations.
A recent weight loss study showed significant improvements with liraglutide treatment, resulting in an average weight loss of 8.4 kg. The Temple doctors emphasized that modest weight loss can be considerable and improve medical issues, but more research is needed for longer-term results.
A new genetic 'switch' device can detect damaging contaminants like TNT, offering a cheaper and easier method for cleaning up post-war explosive chemicals. The system is cell-free, specific, and requires minimal expertise, but further research is needed to refine its sensitivity.
Researchers discovered a new epigenetic mechanism in brain cells that enables genetic adaptation to the environment through histone turnover. Histone replacement, or turnover, allows genes to be switched on and off in response to external stimuli.
A study of 200 adult men found that those with borderline testosterone levels had a 56% rate of depression and depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of screening for mental health in this population. The researchers also identified high rates of obesity and low physical activity as contributing factors.
The Rosetta spacecraft has captured unprecedented imagery of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gersimenko, revealing large, circular sinkholes formed by surface collapse. The study suggests that these pits are a result of ices beneath the surface sublimating, causing the ceiling to collapse and exposing younger, relatively young ice chunks.
Researchers estimate that mandatory salt reduction targets could prevent up to 4,500 cardiac deaths by 2025, with the greatest benefits in deprived areas. Voluntary schemes may only avoid around 1,500 deaths.
The OpenDreamKit project will develop software for mathematical tools and virtual computing environments, making research data exploration and collaboration more efficient. The four-year project brings together 15 partners from across Europe to create open source software that can be used by researchers worldwide.
A study of 61 obese participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus found that bariatric surgery resulted in more disease remission than lifestyle intervention alone. At 3 years, 40% of those who underwent RYGB achieved complete remission, compared to 15% of those who received LAGB and no intensive lifestyle weight loss intervention.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory report a neural circuit in the mouse olfactory bulb that helps adjust gain on powerful odors. This mechanism allows for better smell recognition and reduces the risk of being overwhelmed by strong smells.
A new survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults found that nearly 90% recognize the role of calcium and vitamin D supplements in supporting bone health when dietary intake is insufficient. Consumers also understand that multivitamins should not replace healthy eating habits.
A new study by CCNY physicists suggests that smaller influencers can maximize the spread of information in social networks. The Collective Influence algorithm, proposed by Morone and Makse, beats competing methods in large-scale networks like Twitter and Facebook.
A study reveals hydroelectric dams, such as the Balbina Dam in the Amazon rainforest, have severe effects on biodiversity. The creation of large lakes has led to widespread loss of mammals, birds, and tortoises on island habitats.
A new study found that women with the female athlete triad are at greater risk of bone stress injuries and fractures. The triad includes low energy availability, menstrual cycle abnormalities, and low bone mineral density.
Patient care leaders at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center highlight the need to eliminate emotional harms that can erode trust and damage patient-provider relationships. The medical center has developed a system to track and address these harms, which may be more prevalent than physical harms.
Researchers developed a dropout-prediction model that uses data from one course offering to predict stopout in the next. The model achieved fairly accurate predictions and showed promise, particularly when incorporating additional variables like weekend study habits. Ongoing work aims to refine the model for improved accuracy.
Researchers found that stunting affects children under three, with disparities by province and age. They recommend a multi-sectoral approach to address stunting and improve maternal nutrition.
Researchers found that St John's Wort produces the same adverse reactions as antidepressants, including anxiety, panic attacks, and dizziness. The study highlights the need for people to seek advice from qualified healthcare practitioners when using herbal medicines like St John's Wort.
A new bio-inspired zeolite catalyst converts methane to methanol with high efficiency and selectivity, enabling small-scale 'gas-to-liquid' technologies. The catalyst's trinuclear copper-oxo-cluster active center is stabilized in the zeolite micropores.
Researchers at Saarland University have found that liquid films on fibers can slip faster than flow along the fiber, leading to faster droplet formation. The team's study has important implications for designing novel fiber coatings for water harvesting applications.
Researchers discovered a 'devil's staircase' effect in a cobalt oxide spin-valve system, allowing for infinite superstructures with tunable magnetic configurations. This finding may lead to new options in spintronics, enabling more efficient data storage and processing.
Researchers found that white women with surgical-induced menopause had a 35% reduced risk of non-fatal heart attacks compared to white men, while black women showed less significant differences. The study suggests that healthy preventive behaviors are crucial for all women, regardless of menopausal status.
The SENRI trial found that NK1 antagonists significantly increased the inhibition rate of vomiting and nausea, especially in females. The three-drug combination therapy of aprepitant, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and dexamethasone may be a good antiemetic treatment option for oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with colorectal c...
Researchers identified microtubule-based nanotubes in stem cells that tap into the niche, enabling specific signaling for self-renewal. This discovery sheds light on how stem cells reproduce and miscommunication can lead to diseases like cancer.
Bonnie L. Bassler receives the FASEB 2016 Excellence in Science Award for her pioneering work on quorum sensing, a universal chemical code used by bacteria to communicate. Her research has significant implications for food production, health, energy, and environmental issues.
Research reveals Alaskan coastal waters may struggle to support shellfish hatcheries due to ocean acidification, with potential impacts on the industry by 2040. The study highlights the need for effective monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of shellfish farming in Alaska.
A study published in Motivation and Emotion found that performing acts of kindness can help socially anxious individuals reduce their desire to avoid social situations. This intervention showed a greater reduction in patients' avoidance goals compared to those only exposed to social interactions without engaging in good deeds.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found intense rainfall near the center of the tropical cyclone, with rates reaching over 78 mm per hour. The storm's center is expected to move close to Guam on July 4, bringing periods of heavy rainfall across the Marianas.
Researchers found that afamelanotide significantly improves pain-free sun exposure and quality of life in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria. The treatment reduced the number of phototoxic reactions and improved overall quality of life, offering patients increased daily functionality.
Researchers say combining educational messages about naloxone with sympathetic narratives can increase public support for its wider availability. The study found that people who heard humanizing stories of addiction were more likely to support policies for naloxone distribution.