Researchers summarize the recent progress on theoretical studies of various 2D Dirac materials, including graphene, silicene, and graphynes. They predict these systems will exhibit half-integer quantum Hall effects and ultrahigh carrier mobility, with potential applications in physics and technology.
A UT Dallas study found that solitary confinement does not deter inmates from committing further violent acts, and its use may even exacerbate mental health problems. The research suggests reducing solitary confinement could save taxpayer funds and improve prisoner outcomes upon release.
A new study out of Wellesley College finds that people who value diversity are more likely to have friends from different racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The research suggests that positive beliefs about diversity can increase the likelihood of seeking out diverse friends.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that phone counseling can significantly boost recovery and reduce pain in patients after spinal surgery. The intervention involved short series of phone conversations with trained counselors, leading to higher physical therapy attendance rates and improved functional outcomes.
Researchers at OIST found that the energy lost to friction between falling rain and whipping winds in a typhoon can lessen its destructive force by as much as 30 percent. This discovery significantly reduces the margins of error in predicting typhoon intensity, which is crucial for anticipating damages and minimizing loss of lives.
The 14th St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Consensus Conference highlighted the need to refine breast cancer classification and predict treatment responses. The conference recommendations will set the standard for breast cancer care for two years, taking into account variable resource limitations worldwide.
Researchers at UC Davis found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can boost the regenerative effects of human PPARα, allowing it to regenerate damaged livers in mice. The protein could offer significant therapeutic benefits for patients with liver disease or those who have had a liver transplant.
A novel form of near infrared spectroscopy, known as NIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI), has been developed to detect peanut contamination in powdered foodstuffs. The technique produces images with spectral data at each pixel, allowing it to detect trace levels of peanut over a large area.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that certain Dickinsonia fossils are incomplete due to ancient currents lifting them from the sea floor. The team measured the direction of missing parts and showed they aligned with features formed under wave action, indicating the fossils were not 'missing' but rather not preserved.
Experts analyze data from a national survey to question the feasibility of party promises on accessing general practice. The analysis highlights that guarantees of appointments within 48 hours may be unrealistic, and recruiting 5,000 more GPs could prove challenging.
Researchers tracked tiny birds with tracking backpacks and found they flew directly over the Atlantic Ocean to reach their wintering grounds in South America. The birds took 2-3 days to complete the journey, storing up fat reserves to fuel their flight.
A research team has isolated energy-burning beige fat from adult humans, which can convert unhealthy white fat into healthy brown fat. This discovery holds promise for developing new medications to fight obesity by recruiting and activating human brown fat.
A new study from UC Berkeley suggests that despite egalitarian efforts, many people still believe their destiny is tied to their station in life. Children and adults who were more influenced by caste were also more likely to believe that their own natural aptitude, academic success, and personality traits were fixed or set in stone.
The US National Science Foundation and Japan Science and Technology Agency announce joint support for six projects to improve future disaster management. Researchers will leverage Big Data and data analytics to capture and process disaster data, enhance resilient networks, and develop novel approaches to analyze large, noisy data.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that smarter programming of stoplights can reduce delays, improve efficiency, and lower emissions in urban areas. By combining vehicle-level data with city-level traffic patterns, the algorithm produces more accurate predictions and recommendations for optimizing traffic flow.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers reveals that the brain's 'gender' may be more flexible than previously thought. The study found that a specific enzyme plays a key role in masculinization, allowing certain genes to be 'unsilenced'. This process can even occur after the window for brain sexual differentiation has closed.
Energy balance experts from six continents collaborate to develop innovative approaches to prevent and reduce obesity. The Global Energy Balance Network will convene a 'think, do tank' in 2016 to explore new solutions.
Chronic alcohol consumption compromises the skin's protective immune response, leading to increased illness and bacterial burden. Restoring IL-17 levels improves skin injury and bacterial clearance defects in mice with Staphylococcus aureus skin infections.
Illinois' 2009 increase in alcohol tax led to a 26% decline in fatal alcohol-related car crashes, with similar reductions for young people and extremely drunken drivers. The study suggests that similar tax hikes across the US could prevent thousands of deaths annually.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that an increase in alcohol taxes led to a significant reduction in fatal car crashes. After Illinois raised its excise tax on beer, wine, and spirits by 2009, fatal alcohol-related car crashes decreased by 26%. The decrease was even more marked for young people, with a 37% reduction in fa...
Elephant soundscapes tested for effectiveness in deterring night-time raids on farmland in southern India, with results showing 90% success rate using tiger sounds and 73% using leopard sounds. The study's findings suggest a potential solution to the growing problem of human-elephant conflict in agriculture.
Research found that 14 out of 17 popular pet food brands contained unspecified animal species, including cow, pig, and chicken DNA. The study highlights weaknesses in product labeling that could affect pets and their owners.
A team of researchers from the University of Houston has developed a non-invasive brain-machine interface that allows an amputee to control a prosthetic hand with high accuracy. The technology, which uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to capture brain activity, enables individuals to grasp objects with ease and precision.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that corporate social responsibility can improve consumers' opinions of products. Consumers tend to believe that companies engaged in socially responsible activities produce higher-quality products.
A study developed a risk score model to predict the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with HIV. The model uses nine clinical and demographic factors to assess CKD risk, with participants having low, medium, or high risk scores experiencing respective probabilities of CKD development over five years.
A global study published in PLOS One found that women who experience domestic violence are less likely to use contraception, exposing them to sexually transmitted diseases. The research suggests that partner violence has a causal effect on women's use of contraception.
A new study by University of Oxford researchers found that excessive video game time is associated with problem behavior in children, while the type of games played has no significant impact. The study suggests that parents should monitor their child's gaming time to minimize potential risks.
Researchers detect human fingerprint of industrial pollutants in Borneo rainforest, revealing impact on ozone layer and forest health. Air pollution from East Asia affects air quality in equatorial Southeast Asia, introducing chemicals to the stratosphere.
The study found that reality TV shows like Jersey Shore and The Real World feature idealized bodies, with two-thirds of women and three-quarters of men having little body fat. In contrast, only one in every three Americans is at a healthy weight.
The US National Science Foundation has awarded 10 Physics Frontiers Centers, focusing on basic research in quantum computing and fundamental physics. These collaborative environments support multidisciplinary projects and education initiatives.
Research from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute shows that high-quality early education significantly boosts language skills in children from low-income families. Children who start earlier and stay longer in these programs also demonstrate strong English language skills, even those whose first language is not English.
Scientists have developed a mouse model that lacks the nSR100 gene, which regulates microexon splicing. This process is essential for protein production and brain function. The study found defects in neuron formation and wiring, similar to those found in people with autism and schizophrenia.
A Dartmouth-led team is studying the environmental and financial benefits of converting methane gas from cow manure into electricity and heat on Vermont and New York dairy farms. The project aims to quantify how integrating food and energy production affects farm viability and environmental impacts.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that exposure to ultrafine particles can induce immediate changes in heart rate variability in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism or diabetes. The research suggests potential health risks and demands for threshold limit values for environmental standards.
A new study by Daniel M. Bartels and Oleg Urminsky found that consumers who consider the future consequences of spending money tend to spend less, but also make better financial decisions.
Experts recommend using ultrasound as the first line of imaging for patients with pelvic symptoms due to its cost-effectiveness and safety. Ultrasound has evolved to be an effective tool for evaluating gynecologic patients, providing accurate results without radiation exposure.
A study published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that 'religiously integrated' cognitive-behavioral therapy is at least as effective as conventional CBT for treating major depression in chronically ill patients. Highly religious patients showed greater improvement with this approach.
The supplement explores innovative 'upstream' advances in social-ecological research to foster healthy communities, focusing on policy and environmental changes. Key findings include improved food environments and multi-level structural interventions that reduce health disparities.
A case study of New York City's successful public health reforms, led by Mayor Bloomberg's 'top-down' approach and strategic organizational changes, suggests that similar initiatives may work elsewhere. However, a commentary questions the applicability of this approach to other cities.
The 1815 Tambora eruption, one of the largest in the last 1,000 years, killed over 60,000 people in Indonesia and led to a 'year without a summer' globally. A systematic exploration of available eruption archives is needed to better understand potential future hazards.
The University of Texas at Austin researcher is working on developing small-molecule inhibitors that counter antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. The goal is to create a suite of drugs for treating bacterial infections resistant to most antibiotics.
Researchers identify 'Follicular Memory T cells' near lymph node entrances to screen for microbe re-entry. These cells help create potent antibodies in secondary antibody responses, outsmarting circulating memory cells. This discovery paves the way for more effective vaccines.
Researchers from UMass Amherst found that about 10% of released water may be permanently lost, reducing downstream river flows. This 'hydropeaking' practice allows hydropower dams to operate more efficiently, but comes with a tradeoff: permanent water loss affecting aquatic life and ecosystems.
A study by Northwestern University found that children who received analogical comparison training grasped the Brace principle, a key elementary engineering concept. Children showed significant improvement in building tasks after receiving comparison training, with those receiving high-similarity pairs performing over 80% correctly.
Researchers are developing technology to shore up user privacy on leading social media sites, addressing the growing concern of users' information being shared beyond their intended group. The project aims to design a formal model and mechanism to enforce privacy policies, protecting users from malicious access and 'leaky boundaries',
Dielectric elastomers have made significant breakthroughs in soft robotics applications, enabling the creation of flapping robotic wings with high-energy conversion efficiencies. The new resonance phenomenon discovered by researchers can make the artificial joint bend up and down, mimicking the motion of a bird's wing.
Researchers found that bacteria produce complex organic molecules similar to those found naturally in the ocean, suggesting they are a major driver of long-term carbon storage. The study suggests bacteria efficiently contribute to climate by storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in the ocean.
Fire management teams set fires to reduce hazardous fuels and protect human communities. Planned burns also help remove unwanted species, promote habitat for threatened species, and recycle nutrients back to the soil.
A Yale-led study found that people who search for information online overestimate their knowledge base compared to those who obtain information through other methods. The effect was strong enough that even without providing a full answer, internet searchers still felt smarter.
A new study by Aalto University found that 76% of young Finns use YouTube daily for music listening. The two services are preferred over CDs, digital files, and other platforms due to their vast music selection and ease of use. Researchers believe the shift towards streaming is a transition from file downloads to online audio streaming.
Researchers found that folic acid supplementation increased nitric oxide production in older blood vessels, improving skin blood flow and reducing cardiovascular risk. This inexpensive alternative to pharmaceutical treatments shows promise for helping older adults cope with environmental heat waves.
A new study from the University of Guelph found that maternal genetic effects play a significant role in determining the fitness of squirrel offspring. Genetically gifted mothers tend to give birth earlier, have more successful pups, and exhibit other traits that contribute to their offspring's success.
New research from the University of Georgia found that physician advice leads to a reported 10-pound loss for women and 12-pound loss for men over a one-year period. Tailored opinions from physicians can help identify obesity risks and promote long-term weight loss.
Researchers detected antibodies to dopamine D2 receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor among children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The finding suggests a distinct subgroup where autoimmunity plays a role in their illness, paving the way for more specific diagnosis and effective interventions.
A new study found that people who transitioned to same-sex attraction in early adulthood reported more depressive symptoms than those whose sexual orientations did not change or changed in the opposite direction. The study highlights the need for social support during periods of sexual identity transition.
A recent study from Brown University suggests that video gamers excel in visual tasks, not just due to prior practice, but also because of enhanced learning abilities. Gamers outperformed non-gamers on two consecutive visual task learning exercises by an average of 15% and 11%, respectively.
New research reveals stark variation in genetic testing services for inherited eye disease in England, with the South-east ahead of other regions. The study shows that genetic tests have been available on the NHS for over a decade and next-generation sequencing technology has made it possible to map many genes simultaneously.
A new study by Dr. Faraj Adballah found that single-shot nerve blocks provide limited pain relief after shoulder surgery, lasting only six to eight hours. After this initial period, patients who received the shot experienced a phenomenon known as rebound pain, which worsened their symptoms.
Researchers reveal 'juvenile' continental crust has been produced throughout Earth's history, contradicting the long-held theory that all continental crust was generated during the Archaean Eon. The study provides new understanding of the formation of the Earth's continental crust and its impact on the planet's life and climate.
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute have discovered a unique mechanism of borrelidin, a natural product with wide-ranging antifungal, antibacterial, anti-malaria and anti-cancer effects. The study sheds light on the compound's inhibition of protein synthesis by occupying four distinct subsites on tRNA synthetase.
The article features five physics demonstrations that showcase the importance of experimentation in the science classroom. The experiments, described by Neil Downie, a Royal Academy of Engineering visiting professor, allow students to get creative while learning fundamental physics principles.
An isotope study by North Carolina State University has found that some urban ant species have a taste for human food. The research analyzed over 100 ant samples to determine their diet composition, revealing that pavement ants on sidewalks and medians have high levels of carbon-13, indicating a diet rich in human food.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source observed the micro-scale mechanisms behind skin's remarkable tear resistance. The study identified four synergistic mechanisms in collagen that act to diminish stress concentrations associated with tears.
A new study reveals that women are more open to trying new products and services when they are ovulating. This increased desire for variety is not due to conscious decision-making but rather a natural response driven by their reproductive cycle.
Two new species of Saurichthys, a predatory ray-finned fish, have been discovered in Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland. These ancient fishes exhibit distinct skull and body shapes, suggesting different hunting styles and habitats, contributing to their evolutionary success.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that chronically lonely older adults are more likely to visit their doctors for social contact. The research suggests that identifying and targeting interventions for lonely elders could significantly decrease physician visits and healthcare costs.
A new mass spectrometry method developed by IUPUI chemist Nicholas Manicke can rapidly detect drugs and poisons in blood samples. The method, known as paper spray mass spectrometry, has potential use in various fields such as biomedical research, clinical testing, and forensic science.
A systematic review found that postnatal care services are under-utilized in low- and middle-income countries due to lack of accessibility, affordability, and education. Governments can prevent 289,000 maternal deaths and 2.9 million newborn deaths by increasing access to postnatal care services.
Researchers developed a strategy to identify and genotype SNPs in complex cotton genomes using genotyping-by-sequencing. The approach employs Stacks software to enrich for orthologous DNA fragments, allowing for detection of polymorphisms between individuals.
Researchers successfully created and controlled defect pairs in liquid crystals using optical tweezers. This achievement opens the door to controlling light flow using specific frequencies in liquid crystal photonic microdevices, with potential applications in photonics.
A team of scientists found that cheater amoebae produce fewer high-quality spores, which survive better, suggesting a more balanced system than previously thought. This discovery has implications for developing therapies using socially successful bacteria to fight diseases.
Researchers found that plants aim to flower when the optimal temperature for seed set is approaching, allowing them to adapt to changing climates. This discovery suggests that many flowering plants have different flowering times due to narrow temperature sensitivity windows.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully restored memory and synaptic connections in Alzheimer's mice using the experimental cancer drug AZD05030. The treatment blocks damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and has led to the launch of human trials.
Researchers at IRCM have uncovered a new synergy mechanism required for neural circuits to form properly. This breakthrough may lead to the development of tools to repair nerve cells following injuries to the nervous system.
Scientists have discovered a new virus infecting archaea beneath the ocean floor, which selectively targets one of its genes for mutation. The study also reveals that these microorganisms use a novel mechanism to accelerate genetic adaptation, targeting at least four distinct genes, and this process may be key to their survival.
Super Typhoon Maysak has reached Category 5 hurricane status with maximum sustained winds of near 140 knots (161.1 mph). The storm is generating heavy rainfall and high thunderstorms in the Pacific Ocean.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found paracetamol to be ineffective in reducing pain intensity and improving disability or quality of life for patients with lower back pain. However, it provided small benefits in reducing pain and disability for osteoarthritis, while increasing the risk of liver function test abnormalities.
Researchers tracked tiny geolocators on blackpoll warbler birds to confirm their non-stop migration over the Atlantic Ocean. The journey, spanning up to 2,770 kilometers, is one of the longest recorded for a songbird.
Researchers have developed a method to embed patterned nanofibers in 3D hydrogel structures, guiding neurite outgrowth along the nanofibers. This technique enhances neurite length and can be used to replicate complex neural structures, offering potential for restoring damaged cells in the nervous system.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that fewer than half of US physicians received formal training on exercise, with many medical schools not offering any courses on the subject. This lack of education could leave doctors unprepared to assist patients who benefit from regular physical activity.
Researchers found that combining different photos of a user leads to better recognition on Samsung Galaxy phones, often to perfect levels. Storing an 'average' image formed by morphing together several photos can greatly improve performance.
The SAGE-sponsored travel grants enable 12 students and early career professionals to attend the 2015 UKSG Annual Conference, facilitating debates on scholarly communication. The grant is a key commitment of SAGE's, aiming to support innovation in academic publishing.
Researchers found that transplant outcomes using kidneys from deceased donors with AKI were no different between the AKI and non-AKI groups at both 1 and 3 years post-transplant. The study results suggest that acutely injured kidneys can be considered for transplantation, potentially alleviating the US kidney shortage.
Researchers at Penn State and USGS use a new stream-based monitoring system to detect high levels of methane in Sugar Run stream, consistent with what would be found in shale gas. The findings show that stream monitoring is an effective method for assessing the environmental impact of extracting natural gas using fracking.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found that a little bit of sugar on the surface of fungal cells triggers the death of immune cells that would otherwise kill the fungus. This discovery could lead to a new therapeutic strategy for treating Candida albicans, one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections.
A new study found that children who get a taste of their parents' wine are more likely to start drinking by high school. Of the 561 students surveyed, those who'd 'sipped' alcohol by sixth grade were five times more likely to down a full drink and four times more likely to binge or get drunk.
Research found that a more virulent group of S. suis strains causing disease in pigs worldwide are also implicated in human diseases like meningitis and septicaemia. The study suggests that changes in pig rearing practices may have led to the emergence of these strains.
A University of Arizona team developed a new model that improves seasonal hurricane forecast accuracy for the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by 23 percent. The model incorporates wind force on the ocean and sea surface temperature over the Atlantic, reducing El Niño's impact during warm AMO phases.
A new study identifies five essential elements that determine how consumers experience time: technology, skill, plans and moods, rules and regulations, and cultural understanding. When these elements are out of alignment, time seems to rush or drag, affecting consumer experiences in various activities.
Human language likely developed quickly into a sophisticated system, featuring syntax and structures, according to MIT linguist Shigeru Miyagawa. Words bear traces of syntax, challenging the idea that they originated from simple primal utterances.
The US transplant organ shortage continues to grow, with thousands on waiting lists for 5 years or more. Medical leaders propose removing financial disincentives and exploring incentives like health insurance post-donation to ensure donor safety. However, there is ongoing debate about the ethics of introducing financial payments.
Scientists have discovered a 100-million-year-old insect fossil that shows an adult female insect caring for its young, a behavior previously unknown to exist during the Mesozoic era. This discovery pushes back the earliest direct evidence of insect brood care by more than 50 million years.
A review article published in Journal of Caffeine Research suggests that caffeine may be used to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease by reducing beta amyloid plaque accumulation. The study identifies potential opportunities for using caffeine to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Consumers are curating looks and creating images on outfit sharing websites, fueling popular fashion bloggers and a new logic of accessibility. This shift has changed market-level changes in institutional work, categories of actors, and underlying logics.
Recreational anglers' understanding of rockfish biology and fishing practices influences their views on conservation. Education plays a crucial role in garnering long-term support for rockfish recovery.
A special focus issue in Nanomedicine examines the intersection of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine, showcasing advancements in nanotopography, nanofunctionalization, and stem cell research. The field of nanoregeneration has grown exponentially over the last 15 years, with potential applications in drug discovery and cell targeting.
A three-year study found that students with disabilities who participated in a social-emotional learning program experienced a 20% decrease in bullying perpetration. The researchers suggest that the program helped these students better manage their impulses, reducing reactive aggression and improving overall behavior.
Consumers who consider themselves more independent are more likely to rely on their feelings when making decisions. In one study, consumers chose smaller, prettier apartments over larger, more conveniently located ones when they felt independent.
Researchers found depressed levels of cytokines, including interleukin 1, in individuals with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls, while an inflammatory molecule called eotaxin was elevated in the group. These findings may contribute to symptoms such as brain fog and offer hope for objective diagnostic tests and therapies that correct ...
A newly developed drug may also be effective in treating brittle bone disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects bone formation. The therapy has shown promising results in young mice with the condition, with no reduction in midshaft bone strength after treatment stopped.
A recent study published in Kidney International found that HIV-positive kidney transplant patients have superior outcomes compared to those with Hepatitis C. The three-year survival rates for HIV patients were similar to those of uninfected patients (90%), while Hepatitis C patients had a lower rate (84%).
Researchers used ESA's Herschel and Planck space observatories to identify objects in the distant Universe that could be precursors of today's galaxy clusters. These early galaxies were found to be forming stars at an extremely high rate, with some converting gas and dust into stars at a rate 1,500 times faster than our own Milky Way.
The ACMG Foundation presents the first recipient of the David L. Rimoin Inspiring Excellence Award to Dr. Marcus Miller for his platform presentation on Metabolomic Analysis Uncovers Significant Trimethylamine N-oxide Production. The award supports research in metabolomics and human genetic disorders.
Researchers found a 36-70% reduction in methane emissions from local natural gas distribution systems, largely due to upgrades and regulatory changes. The study, led by Washington State University, suggests that the industry's contribution to US greenhouse gas emissions is lower than previously estimated.
A mix of positive and negative reviews can be beneficial for products judged on personal taste, but detrimental when quality is the primary consideration. The authors investigated how consumers respond to diverse online reviews and found that varied ratings due to individual tastes are more acceptable in some cases.
Geographic tongue (GT) is characterized by evolving red patches on the tongue surface due to loss of papillae. New research reveals GT can spread in circular or spiral patterns, with spiral patterns indicating a more acute condition that lingers for a long time.
Paracetamol is ineffective in reducing pain, disability, or improving quality of life for patients with low back pain or osteoarthritis. Its use may also affect the liver, increasing the risk of liver toxicity in patients. The study calls for an urgent review of guidelines that endorse paracetamol for these conditions.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found a substantial increase in takeaway food outlets in Norfolk over two decades, particularly in deprived areas. The density of these outlets rose significantly, contributing to higher obesity rates and unhealthy diets among local residents.
Researchers found that root secretions can promote soil carbon loss by freeing organic compounds from protective associations with minerals. This mechanism is known as 'priming' and challenges the assumption that mineral-associated carbon is protected from microbial cycling over millennial timescales.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that premature aging of stem cell telomeres drives emphysema, not inflammation. This finding redirects research efforts to fix the underlying problem rather than treating symptoms.
A new study found that drivers react more quickly to road signs with motion, leading to quicker stops and changes in behavior. The findings suggest that redesigning signs for highways, crosswalks, schools, and construction zones could reduce accident-related injuries and mortality rates.