Bariatric surgery not only benefits patients' health but also strengthens their relationships with partners, according to a new study. Couples reported improved intimacy, better conflict resolution, and enhanced sexual relationships after one partner underwent weight loss surgery.
Dr. Laurel H. Carney has been awarded the William and Christine Hartmann Prize in Auditory Neuroscience for her research on auditory physiology and perception. Her work aims to understand how the brain hears and develop strategies to aid listeners with hearing loss.
Research found that 90% of bacteria on human skin are either dead or inactive, with different areas harboring varying proportions of metabolically active, inactive, and dead microbes. Activity levels decreased with age, suggesting a possible relationship between the microbiome and immune system function.
A recent study by University of Sussex researchers suggests that the impact of scary TV on children's internalizing emotions is smaller than previously thought. Overall, children show very little sign of increased anxiety or fear, but some may be more affected due to individual differences in anxiety levels.
A team of Massachusetts General Hospital investigators has developed a bioartificial replacement limb suitable for transplantation using an experimental approach previously used to build bioartificial organs. The researchers successfully engineered rat forelimbs with functioning vascular and muscle tissue, and provided evidence that th...
Researchers discovered a previously unknown serotype of oral bacterium, Streptococcus mutans serotype k, in African-American schoolchildren in southwest Alabama. The study found the bacteria to be present in 84% of children, with no invasive genes linked to systemic diseases.
Hurricane Andres has weakened significantly due to unfavorable sea surface temperatures, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 105 mph. The storm is expected to become a tropical storm tonight or Wednesday, followed by a turn toward the north and a decrease in forward speed.
A group of former senior editors from The BMJ criticize NEJM's backtracking on conflict of interest policies, arguing that financial ties can compromise objectivity. They commend The BMJ's zero-tolerance policy on industry-funded articles and urge NEJM to retain rigorous standards.
Researchers found that Agion silver zeolite technology significantly reduced bacterial populations on door handles, particularly gram-negative bacteria. The study suggests that the technology may be more effective than previously thought, but further research is needed to address concerns about standardization and potential side effects.
Researchers have discovered how Microprocessor, a complex of DROSHA and DGCR8, precisely determines cleavage sites on miRNA-containing primary transcripts. This process allows faithful initiation of microRNA biogenesis.
The Irukandji box jellyfish uses its nematocyst clusters like experienced fishermen use their lures. The tiny but deadly jellyfish actively targets and catches complex fish that are often larger than itself, displaying a surprising complex prey capture strategy.
Researchers found that older adults' cycling speed improved while completing cognitive tasks without sacrificing cognitive performance. The study suggests combining physical activity with mental tasks may encourage more vigorous exercise.
A recent study found that post-menopausal hormone therapy did not improve cognitive function, but may have benefits for certain mood symptoms. The trial included 693 recently postmenopausal women and followed them for four years, with some women experiencing improvements in mood symptoms.
Researchers found that the low-cost, portable device could spare unnecessary biopsies for about 90% of patients with benign lesions. The study involved 147 U.S. and Chinese patients undergoing examination for potentially malignant squamous cell tumors.
Matthew W. Urban, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, received the R. Bruce Lindsay Award for his work on ultrasonic measurement of viscoelastic properties of tissues. The award recognizes his substantial contributions to acoustics through published papers.
A study of over 69,000 individuals in Sweden found no association between varenicline and increased risks of suicidal behaviours, criminal offending, transport accidents, or psychoses. However, a small increased risk was found in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders during periods of medication.
Researchers found that creating conflict with target population can backfire, while positively framed policies support choice and lead to positive responses. The study highlights the need for policymakers to empathize with their audience and work with them rather than against them.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered how a specific variant of the condensin protein complex plays a crucial role in regulating DNA structure and promoting cellular senescence. This finding provides valuable insights into the anti-cancer activity of cells and could lead to the development of new therapies
A RAND Corporation study found that implementing CDS tools led to a small reduction in inappropriate advanced imaging studies, increasing the proportion of tests rated as appropriate. However, challenges persist due to limited criteria availability and tool limitations.
Dr. Steven Schiff aims to reduce infant mortality from neonatal sepsis by identifying infection causes and developing predictive models for optimal antimicrobial treatment. His research seeks to apply engineering control principles to prevent infections, with potential applications worldwide.
Researchers have successfully prevented black phosphorus from oxidizing, allowing for the exploitation of its extraordinary properties in various devices. The study's results, published in Nature Materials, will help develop new nanotechnologies with high-performance microprocessors, lasers, and solar cells.
A study by Carnegie's Xiaochun Zhang and Ken Caldeira found that the carbon dioxide-caused warming exceeds the amount of heat released by a lump of coal in just 34 days. Continuous power plant burning also triggers similar effects, with CO2 accumulation surpassing combustion emissions within three months.
A new study by University at Buffalo geographers found that Native American villages in Chautauqua County, NY, favored the growth of fire-tolerant tree species like hickory, chestnut, and oak. These trees produce edible nuts and are more likely to survive fires, suggesting that human activity altered the forest landscape.
New research found that children's altruistic behaviors are associated with better physiological regulation and lower family wealth. Children who donated tokens to help others showed greater vagal flexibility and higher vagal tone, indicating better health and well-being.
A national survey found that 84% of teens turn to the internet for health information, but 88% do not share their concerns with friends or social media. This study highlights the importance of accurate and accessible digital health resources for teenagers, who use online tools to make behavior changes and take care of themselves.
The March of Dimes Foundation has funded a Portuguese laboratory to study factors that act in the placenta to protect the fetus from malaria. The research focuses on trophoblast cells, which are crucial for maternal-fetal exchanges of nutrients and gases.
Researchers have identified the epicenter of the brain's predictive ability in limbic tissue, which also plays a key role in emotions. This discovery challenges traditional theories on emotion and suggests that the brain is wired to ask questions about past experiences rather than react to external stimuli.
A new study in the Journal of Marketing found that companies may inadvertently devalue customer relationships with small monetary gifts. The authors suggest firms consider directing such gifts to charity to avoid the 'trivialization effect',
A University of Houston study found that sport facilitates a smoother transition to retirement by providing community, self-confidence, and physical activity. This can lead to a more positive adjustment to retirement changes.
A large study found that teenagers who experienced frequent bullying were more than twice as likely to develop depression later in life. The study analyzed data from over 3,800 participants and suggested that antibullying interventions at school may help reduce depression in later years.
A Michigan State University scholar argues that school districts are complicit in the oppression of students of color by ignoring the issue of biased student discipline. Researchers faced roadblocks and resistance from district administrators who viewed their efforts as a threat.
A new study suggests that the standard 30-day hospital readmission metric fails to accurately reflect changing risk factors. Researchers found that early readmissions (0-7 days post discharge) were associated with acute illness markers, while late readmissions (8-30 days post discharge) were more closely tied to chronic illness burden.
A study of 3.8 million pregnancies found a possible association between antidepressant use and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, but the absolute risk was small. The risk increase appears more modest than previously reported, with SSRI use linked to a slightly higher risk.
The researchers developed a novel ultra-compact heterogeneous wavelength tunable laser diode using silicon photonics and quantum-dot technology, achieving a wide-range tuning operation of around 1250 nm wavelength with an ultra-small device footprint. The obtained frequency tuning-range of 8.8 THz is a world record for QD and silicon p...
Current practice of testing athletes at rest may miss signs of right ventricular dysfunction that can lead to sudden death. A new study shows that exercise echocardiography can detect changes in the right ventricle's functioning during physical activity, providing a potential diagnostic tool for cardiologists managing athletes.
A NASA spacecraft will use radar equipment developed in Antarctica to scan Europa for potential water plumes and habitable conditions, driven by evidence of an ocean beneath the thick ice cover.
Researchers found that inexperienced investors are more likely to invest in target-date funds, which minimize investment mistakes. TDFs automatically adjust asset mixes based on age, providing a safe option for those with limited knowledge of the investment world.
Researchers at Brown University propose that comet collisions may have formed lunar swirls through the scouring of loose soil. Computer simulations suggest that impacts from cometary comas can produce bright streaks on the moon's surface.
In the ATREUS trial, 41.2% of patients treated with trabectedin in second line showed improved survival and median progression-free survival at 12 weeks. The study adds to scarce evidence-based science in this disease, warranting further investigation.
Older adults perform just as well as younger adults in simple decision-making, according to a study published in Cognition. However, in more complex decisions, older adults may struggle due to age-related cognitive decline. The study suggests that simple learning strategies can be useful for aging decision makers despite limitations.
NYU researchers have received a MacArthur Foundation grant to develop cutting-edge visualization tools for human rights advocates. The team, led by Enrico Bertini, Oded Nov, and Margaret Satterthwaite, aims to help organizations effectively display complex data on human rights violations, conflict-related deaths, and economic injustices.
Radon gas poses a significant health threat in Canada, with an estimated 3000 deaths from lung cancer in 2014. The WHO limit of 100 Bq/m3 is not met in most Canadian homes, and the lack of action to lower guidelines and implement testing and mitigation measures puts Canadians at risk.
A new study suggests that microgravity can be less damaging to cartilage than previously thought, thanks to the up-regulation of a key gene. Cartilage cells in space showed moderate changes but remained stable, offering hope for new treatments on Earth.
A new study reveals that soil erosion during rainy seasons contributes substantially to global carbon emissions. Organic carbon losses from soils account for approximately one-sixth of annual fossil fuel-induced carbon emissions, with the highest rates found in semi-arid soils.
A comprehensive study by Washington State University scientists David Crowder and John Reganold reveals organic agriculture has significant profit margins compared to conventional farming. Despite lower yields, organic agriculture offers greater environmental benefits and can expand its share in sustainable food production.
A new experiment by MIT engineers provides a more nuanced picture of heat production in microelectronics. The researchers devised an experiment to measure the mean free path distribution of phonons, which reveals that classical diffusion theory underestimates temperature rise at extremely small length scales.
NASA has released a collection of scientific animations exploring hurricanes using satellite data. The animations cover various storms, including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy, providing valuable insights into the storms' characteristics.
New research reveals zinc may be the core of stone formation in kidneys, with changes in oxalate levels tracking dietary zinc intake. The findings suggest that understanding zinc's role in preventing kidney stones could lead to new preventive and therapeutic approaches.
A team of researchers discovered that the main clock of flies is controlled by mechanisms similar to those regulating human internal clocks. This study demonstrates how distant organisms can share similar biological clock gears despite displaying different circadian activities.
Researchers found that state policies on organ donation and transplantation had virtually no effect on rates of organ donation and transplantation in the US. Only revenue policies, which allow individuals to contribute to protected state funds for donation promotion activities, were associated with a 5.3% increase in transplants.
A three-year study shows significant improvements in quality and use of medical services relative to comparison practices. Medical home interventions that paid bonuses based on financial savings improved diabetes care, breast cancer screening, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and primary care visits.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $10.5 million grant to the Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, which aims to expand ongoing diabetes research projects, initiate new studies, and improve service delivery in the New York metropolitan area.
A study found that over 90% of educational materials for kidney disease patients have literacy levels above an average patient's grade level, making it hard for them to comprehend. This can lead to poor management and higher mortality rates among those with low health literacy.
New research at Brigham Young University reveals that helicopter parenting combined with a lack of warmth leads to lower self-worth and higher risk behaviors in young adults. High levels of parental warmth can mitigate some effects, but not eliminate them entirely. Helicopter parents should strive for balance between autonomy and support.
More than a third of patients experience phantom eye symptoms every day, with some feeling pain in the non-existent eye and others perceiving visual patterns or colors. The study provides insights into the prevalence and characteristics of phantom eye syndrome in patients with intraocular melanoma.
The first ever UK guidance suggests office workers should be on their feet for a minimum of 2 hours daily during working hours, breaking up prolonged periods of sitting with sit-stand desks and regular walk-abouts. Employers are also encouraged to promote other healthy behaviors.
Researchers found an invasive micro-alga, Symbiodinium trenchii, improves coral resilience to heat stress but reduces calcification rates and diminishes coral's ability to build reefs. The introduction of this species poses concerns for ecosystem stability and function.
Researchers gave disposable cameras to 40 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes to capture their experiences. The findings reveal key differences in boys and less-affluent young people, which could shape patient care and education. The study also highlights the impact of food on managing the disease.
Researchers have imaged tube-like structures in the Earth's magnetosphere, which are 500 to 700 kilometers above the surface. The structures were detected by mapping variations in radio source positions and exploiting the MWA's rapid snapshot capabilities.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego developed a novel facial pattern recognition software to assess pediatric pain levels. The software achieved good-to-excellent accuracy in assessing pain conditions and performed equivalent to parents but better than nurses.