Neuroscientists can analyze social media broadcasts to measure emotional states, social conformity, and personality traits. Social media use also reveals differences in brain structure and function compared to offline environments.
A cognitive model of artificial neurons has learned to communicate through dialogue with a human interlocutor, demonstrating the ability to express a wide range of capabilities in human language processing. The ANNABELL model uses synaptic plasticity and neural gating mechanisms to learn and adapt to new information.
A team of astronomers used data from the VLT to study the remains of an asteroid around a stellar remnant -- a white dwarf. They discovered an orbiting disc of gaseous material and found that it is lopsided and has not yet become circular.
Researchers used dendrimers to track and isolate proteins involved in cell entry pathways, identifying 809 proteins. This technology could lead to more targeted drug delivery and improve our understanding of viruses.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that certain antibiotics used to treat MRSA can worsen the infection in mice. The study suggests that these antibiotics may induce inflammation and damage tissues, making patients sicker.
Researchers recommend hospitals create bereavement programs to support families through grief, preventing physical and mental health problems. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's program has shown positive effects, including a reduction in dysfunctional bereavement and its associated health issues.
A new study by Indiana University law professor Robert L. Fischman and Vanderbilt University's J.B. Ruhl finds that natural resource agencies often apply adaptive management in ways that don't promote learning, leading to a gap between theory and practice. The study cites examples of court decisions where judges overturned resource man...
Researchers used designer neural receptors to suppress cravings in rats by activating a specific brain region. The study's findings may help scientists develop new treatments for addiction and overeating by stripping away value from reward-paired cues.
A large-scale randomized control trial found that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) offered little to no benefit over usual GP care in treating depression. Patients generally struggled with sustained engagement and highlighted difficulties with logging onto computer systems while clinically depressed.
Research finds men carrying ApoE4 gene suffer more tiny brain bleeds and memory loss than women with similar diagnoses. The study provides new insights into the effects of ApoE4 on Alzheimer's disease in humans.
Researchers discovered that a minority population of right bacteria can regulate a balanced environment in the intestines. They found that low-abundant bacterial species secreted molecules that dampened the immune response to the community, paving the way for predicting and preventing disease.
Children who experience parental death during childhood are at higher risk of developing preventable social and psychological problems. The absolute risk of suicide was 4 in 1,000 persons for boys and 2 in 1,000 persons for girls.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a way to overcome the limitations of nanoscale materials in batteries by using iron pyrite quantum dots. These ultrasmall nanoparticles allow for faster charging and longer cycle life, making them a promising solution for future battery technology.
The discovery of GJ 1132b, an Earth-size exoplanet located just 39 light-years away from our Solar System, is a significant milestone in the search for alien life. The planet's proximity to its star and size make it an ideal laboratory for studying small, potentially livable worlds.
A University of South Florida research team developed a novel chemogenomic profiling approach to identify drug targets for the most lethal strain of malaria. The study identified six new genes critically involved in P. falciparum's response to artemisinin, providing insights into the drugs' mechanisms of action.
Over 600 southern right whale calves died at the Península Valdés calving ground in Argentina between 2003 and 2014 due to Kelp Gull harassment. The number of gull-inflicted lesions increased from 2% in the 1970s to nearly all mothers and calves by the 2000s.
Researchers identified ancient stars in the Milky Way's center with extremely low metal content, suggesting they formed in the early universe. These stars contain chemical fingerprints indicating possible hypernova deaths, which could aid understanding of the Universe's evolution over billions of years.
Researchers find that spear phishing is successful due to users' habitual responses, despite training on information processing. Experts argue that habits play a crucial role in phishing attacks, and current training methods are inadequate.
New research reveals that marine communities with a high thermal bias are more susceptible to ocean warming, leading to biodiversity changes. The study used data from the Reef Life Survey and found locations with average summer sea surface temperatures above 24°C to be the most vulnerable.
A new blood test can detect when breast cancers become resistant to standard hormone treatment, allowing for early identification and alternative treatment options. Researchers developed the test to identify ESR1 mutations, which convey resistance to hormone treatment.
Scientists develop first-of-its-kind synthetic synapse that mimics the plasticity of the real thing, allowing for learning and self-healing capabilities. The novel dynamic system made from aluminum oxide and twisted bilayer graphene has the potential to aid in the development of biology-inspired electronics.
Researchers used electron microscopy to study the dynamic process of myoblast fusion with muscle cells, revealing a series of distinct stages that require communication between transmembrane elements and actin cytoskeleton. The study provides insights into understanding muscle development and repair processes in vertebrates.
A study by scientists has reported that commercial sea salt samples purchased in China are contaminated with microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 7 to 681 particles per kilogram. This raises potential health concerns for consumers who regularly use these salts as a seasoning.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are creating a 'pathology image informatics platform' to analyze and share digital pathology imaging data, focusing on prostate and breast cancers. The project aims to unlock the potential of images in cancer prediction.
There are around 500,000 new work-related illnesses every year, with over 13,000 deaths caused by occupational exposures. However, only 0.3% of these cases are reported to the Health and Safety Executive, leading to a lack of enforcement of employers' duty to protect workers.
A team of international researchers suggests that a large and hot mantle plume was necessary to break the early Earth's lithosphere, leading to the first subduction and Plate Tectonics. The conditions required for this process included a thick and heavy lithosphere, liquid water in the oceans, and a large enough plume to produce signif...
Researchers from the University of Leicester have announced a breakthrough advance in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who are refractory or resistant to current chemotherapies. The new drug, ONO/GS-4059, targets BTK protein and has shown promising results with minimal toxicities.
Researchers developed a new therapy by pairing snake venom with nanofibers to promote localized blood clotting at wound sites. The therapy, tested on rats treated with heparin, shows promise for making surgery safer for human patients on blood thinners.
A package of targeted priority interventions can significantly decrease the cancer burden in low-income countries by 2030 and even greater declines by 2050. The essential package includes access to opioid-based pain medications, tobacco control measures, and HPV vaccination, which are feasible, cost-effective, and affordable.
A large study found that computer-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides little or no benefits for depression, with low patient adherence and engagement being the main reason. The study suggests that routine promotion of computer-based CBT should be reconsidered due to its ineffectiveness as a treatment.
The Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) plans to put its embattled past behind it by completing six delayed reports by the end of 2015. Under new leadership, the agency aims to increase transparency and adopt a cooperative tone.
A study found hospital readmission rates to be common after emergency general surgery procedures, with varying rates depending on patient factors and diagnosis. The most common reasons for readmission were surgical site infections, gastrointestinal complications, and pulmonary complications.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly one-third of knee and hip arthroplasty surgeries had excessive door openings, potentially defeating the safety effects of positive pressure systems. The researchers suggest planning better to prevent unnecessary door openings and exploring reasons behind frequent door opening.
Researchers found that injecting viruses carrying gene codes into the brain's ventricles can slow down Batten disease progression. The treatment improved symptoms and reduced damage caused by the disease in dogs with a similar disorder.
Researchers detected beeswax in ancient pottery vessels from over 150 European archaeological sites, indicating a widespread association between early farmers and honeybees. This discovery pushes back the chronology of human-honeybee association to substantially earlier dates.
A University of Virginia psychology study shows that apologies are crucial even in childhood, repairing relationships despite not easing hurt feelings. Children who received an apology shared more stickers and felt better when helped rebuild a knocked-over tower.
Researchers developed a machine-learning simulation system to create accurate galaxy models, reducing computational time. The method uses algorithms to approximate properties from rare simulations, producing nearly identical galaxy distributions.
The Self, Motivation and Virtue Project at OU is funding interdisciplinary research on moral self and virtue development. Researchers are studying topics including integrity, cultural narratives, and Buddhism's central claims about the self.
Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility successfully tested Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) technique, rapidly cooling hot plasma to prevent disruptions. The innovative approach involves injecting frozen neon and deuterium pellets into the plasma, reducing localized heating and mechanical forces on the tokamak walls.
Researchers are using the Titan supercomputer to create physics-based earthquake simulations to better understand earthquake systems and predict ground shaking in large earthquakes. The team has completed its highest resolution simulation map for Southern California, providing a tool for engineers to design and build critical infrastru...
A study by the University of Melbourne found that changing family living situations lead to avoidable conflict among young adults. The research shows that kids staying at home longer is often driven by stability and additional support needs, while parental factors like education and household income also play a role.
Researchers found that native prairie gardens showed a general trend towards lower soil density, better root penetration, and greater water movement compared to adjacent lawns. However, the differences were not enough to conclude that prairie gardens are flat out better for soil than lawns.
Researchers studied ant colonies subjected to simulated predator attacks, revealing differentiated responses based on location. The results show that ants respond appropriately to damage, similar to single organisms, with colony-wide responses triggered by loss of workers within the nest.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have created a porous liquid with unusual gas-dissolving properties, paving the way for more efficient and greener chemical processes. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize carbon capture technologies.
A QUT study found that men with these traits were more likely to be chosen as sperm donors. The research also showed that women kept in touch with their donor children through various means.
Scientists have discovered a new exoplanet, GJ 1132b, that is rocky and Earth-sized, orbiting a small star just 39 light-years from Earth. The planet's surface temperature is estimated to be around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it uninhabitable for life as we know it.
A Kansas State University researcher is gathering large-scale biological information on rivers across the US and Mongolia. The study aims to understand how climate change affects river systems, including oxygen production and consumption from bacteria, algae, plants, and animals.
Researchers propose that mantle plumes played a crucial role in initiating plate tectonics on Earth. Computer simulations suggest that plume-induced weaknesses in the lithosphere could have led to the formation of subduction zones and the emergence of modern plate boundaries. The study provides a possible explanation for the early hist...
Elderly individuals living in UK care homes are at high risk of dehydration due to conditions like dementia, diabetes, and kidney problems. Research finds dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes, including disability and death.
Children exposed to high levels of PFOA during pregnancy experience rapid body fat gain and higher body fat by age 8 compared to those with lower exposure. The study found a significant association between prenatal PFOA levels and childhood adiposity, raising concerns about potential effects on type 2 diabetes.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that women with a history of oral contraceptive use have improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to those who did not use the pill. The study suggests that oral contraceptives may reduce DNA mutations, leading to less aggressive ovarian cancer at a later date.
Genetic divergence analysis reveals distinct groups among owl populations in southern Chile and comparisons with distant areas. The study suggests the existence of new species, with geographic isolation likely contributing to evolution.
Cornell researchers modified stevia's component rebudioside A to dissipate its bitter components, reducing its aftertaste. The study's findings could encourage the beverage industry to adopt more stevia in their products.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach that delays symptoms and extends lifespan in dogs with a comparable disease to Batten disease. The treatment involves delivering a working version of a gene to produce a key enzyme, resulting in striking clinical improvements and slowed disease progression.
Researchers at National Institute for Fusion Science have discovered a new confinement state inside a magnetic island, essential for improving fusion reactor plasma confinement. This breakthrough was achieved through the 'momentary heating propagation method' and has implications for future fusion research.
A new study improves BrainGate's user experience and performance with three software innovations, allowing users to control electronic devices without frequent recalibration. The advancements enable longer use sessions and improved accuracy, paving the way for a practical BCI assistive technology.
A team of researchers from Auburn University, the University of Iowa and the University of California, San Diego, discovered a new form of crystalline-like matter in strongly magnetized dusty plasma. The lattice properties can be imposed arbitrarily by an external grid/mesh structure, creating unique geometric patterns.
CRISPR-Cas systems recognize and cut genetic elements from invaders, protecting bacteria. They hold potential for treating bacterial infections, developing probiotics, and designing microbial factories.
Researchers at City College of New York have introduced a new optical window, dubbed the Golden Window, which enables deeper brain tissue imaging. This breakthrough has significant implications for the noninvasive study of the brain and breasts, reducing scattering that causes blurring in previous methods.
Researchers at the University of Maryland studied console and game sales data to understand how base proportions of console owners change over time. The study found that companies should weigh tradeoffs between early adopters and later adopters when releasing games, with optimal timing depending on console adoption patterns.
The Fundao Dam failure in Brazil's Samarco mine disaster may have been caused by its structural failure. An integrated approach to detecting and characterizing cyanobacteria blooms could reduce human health risks and direct field resources more effectively.
Researchers at PNNL found that Cyanothece uses both stored energy and direct sunlight to produce hydrogen. The organism's ability to create robust amounts of hydrogen makes it a viable catalyst for hydrogen production.
A new platform, GEneSTATION, combines diverse 'omics' data with life history information to advance scientific understanding of human pregnancy. Researchers hope it will lead to new treatments for preterm birth and other complications.
A new portable device called HeartBuds detects sounds inside the body as well as traditional stethoscopes, while also being more sanitary. The technology has been shown to perform just as well as expensive stethoscope models in detecting heart murmurs and carotid bruits.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers has identified genetic factors that influence motor performance and body weight in a genetically diverse group of mice. The findings show significant overlaps with genes related to neurological disorders and obesity in humans, providing a new framework for studying these connections.
A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in combination with gemcitabine may boost the drug's effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. EMT suppression leads to impaired sensitivity to chemotherapy, causing poor prognosis and metastasis.
More than half of public datasets provided with scientific papers are found to be incomplete, hindering reproducibility tests and follow-up studies. Simple errors made by researchers can compromise the process of making research data publicly available.
A doctoral student at the University of Kansas has been awarded a yearlong Fermilab Graduate Student Fellowship in Theoretical Physics to work on dark matter research. He aims to investigate the universe's deepest riddles, including its place in the cosmos and the history of human existence.
A team of University of Illinois engineers has created a new, energy-efficient material for desalination by exploiting the unique properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanopores. The material can filter through up to 70% more water than graphene membranes, making it a promising solution to the global water crisis.
Researchers found that cockroaches activate slow twitch muscle fibers only when chewing on tough material, generating a bite force of up to 50 times stronger than their body weight. This unique ability allows them to efficiently exert powerful forces with minimal head volume required.
A team of scientists at Case Western Reserve University has produced the first image of a human protein binding with ribonucleic acid (RNA), shedding light on how some viruses, including HIV, replicate their genetic material. The discovery could lead to new strategies to block viral replication and limit or halt infection.
The discovery of GJ 1132b, a rocky planet orbiting a red dwarf star, has sparked excitement among astronomers. With temperatures potentially conducive to hosting an atmosphere, this planet is close enough (39 light-years away) to be studied in detail with the Hubble Space Telescope and future observatories.
A new study recommends increasing investment in cancer control measures, including prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, in low- and middle-income countries. The authors suggest that most middle-income countries can achieve this coverage within a few years with cost-effective strategies.
Diagnostic errors affect 1 in 20 adults per year, missing common diseases like infections, heart disease, and cancer. Researchers recommend systems changes to improve diagnosis, including reforming teaching of diagnosis, strengthening teamwork, and promoting a culture of diagnostic safety.
A phase I clinical trial found that pevonedistat, a small-molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme, was safe and tolerable in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma. The therapeutic showed modest activity in these patients, with three achieving partial responses and 30 experiencing stable disease.
Researchers found significant disruption in brain area connections and coordination between the posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex in comatose patients who remained minimally conscious or vegetative. However, those who recovered from coma showed similar coordination with healthy participants.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed an antidote that reverses the effects of two new blood thinners, apixaban and rivaroxaban, within minutes. This breakthrough may help save lives by quickly reversing bleeding complications in emergency situations.
New research reveals more of Britain's countryside dates back to Roman period, shaping modern land management approaches. The Fields of Britannia project highlights the enduring legacy of Roman land practices.
A new short-crested lizard, Probrachylophosaurus bergei, has been found in Montana, exhibiting an intermediate nasal crest between non-crested ancestors and larger crests of adult Brachylophosaurus. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of dinosaur species and sheds light on the transitional forms between different groups.
Researchers simulated predator attacks on ant colonies, revealing coordinated responses to damage. When scouts were removed from the periphery, foraging arms retreated into the nest, while entire colonies fled when workers were removed from the center.
Dr. Electra Paskett receives AACR Distinguished Lecture on Cancer Health Disparities for her decades-long contributions to reducing cancer health disparities among underserved populations. Her work has led to critically important improvements in cancer screening and care, earning her international recognition as a leader in the field.
Two new risk prediction tools can identify patients with diabetes who are at high risk of serious complications, such as blindness and amputation. The tools use variables that patients are likely to know or that are routinely recorded in general practice computer systems.
Researchers found that zooplankton copepods display energetic behavior in turbulent flows, amplifying the flow's intermittent properties. Their self-induced motion adds to fluctuations in speed, affecting feeding efficiency and ecological modeling.
Researchers have identified biomarkers and potential therapeutic approaches for pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM), a rare lung disease. A low-phosphate diet and EDTA treatment were found to prevent stone development and reverse lung calcification in animal models.
A pre-clinical study reveals that treatment with first-line antibiotics can make MRSA skin infections worse by inducing a harmful inflammatory response. Newer tests are being developed to quickly diagnose and treat these infections, but caution is needed before extending the findings to humans.
A new study maps out the genetic changes in melanoma development, confirming sun exposure's role and identifying an intermediate disease stage between benign moles and malignancy. The research provides evidence of UV-induced mutations in benign lesions, precursor lesions, and melanoma, highlighting the importance of sun protection.
Astronomers have found nine ancient stars near the Milky Way's center, forming before the galaxy existed, with surprising purity and a possible hypernova origin.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a crucial change in a single DNA base that both predisposes children to aggressive neuroblastoma and drives disease progression. This discovery may lead to novel therapies for the complex and deadly disease.
Researchers have discovered a new super H-mode regime in tokamak plasmas, which could sharply boost fusion power production. The new state allows for higher pressure at the edge of the plasma, creating potential for increased power output from the superhot core.
Researchers found that adding exposure and response prevention therapy to treatment regimens significantly improved symptoms in patients with OCD who had not responded to medication. The study also showed significant increases in insight, quality of life, and social function after just eight weeks.
Researchers developed a strategy to recover plastid sequences from nuclear DNA in plants. This allows for the assembly of complete chloroplast genomes, providing valuable information about evolutionary relationships and plant processes linked to environmental changes.
A recent study found that climate change has led to the establishment of moose and snowshoe hares on Alaska's North Slope, with warmer temperatures supporting denser vegetation. The shift in ecosystem is attributed to the increased growth of shrubs, which provides a habitat boost for these animals.
A new study found that Mycoplasma genitalium, a previously unknown sexually transmitted infection, affects up to 1% of the UK population aged 16-44. The infection was more prevalent among those with multiple sexual partners and in areas of higher deprivation.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are studying the effects of feeding wildlife at public parks on the health and ecology of white ibises in south Florida. The study found that being fed by humans is changing the behavior of the birds, making them more susceptible to disease.
A US-China fusion research team has made a significant breakthrough by moving plasma closer to the wall, increasing power and efficiency of magnetic fusion energy. This achievement paves the way for future development of tokamaks like ITER, which is currently under construction in France.
Researchers capture first image of a debris ring orbiting a white dwarf star, revealing a spiral-like structure and 'inside-out' structure. The ring system is formed by the star's gravity tearing apart asteroids, emitting a dark red glow from gas produced by collisions.
Plant tyrosinase enzyme, responsible for browning of apples and other fruits, has been structurally elucidated by researchers at the University of Vienna. The discovery reveals new insights into the enzyme's function and opens up potential avenues for controlling browning reactions.
RMIT University researchers created artificial microflowers in water, mimicking natural blooming processes for optoelectronics and other applications. The tiny structures, just 10 microns wide, have potential to break frontiers in scientific fields with easy and reliable building.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a strategy to discover disease progression at its earliest phase by analyzing T-cells. The study found that specific genes can serve as early disease markers, even before symptoms appear.
A Swedish registry study found that mechanical heart valve prosthesis has superior long-term survival rates compared to biological valve prosthesis, particularly for relatively young patients. The risk of stroke was similar for both types of prostheses, but patients with biological valves were more likely to require re-operation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed techniques to control the shape and structure of DNA and RNA using charged gold nanoparticles. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing applications such as storing and transporting genetic information, creating custom scaffolds for bioelectronics, and c...
Research suggests that healthy cells are optimized for a healthy ecosystem; changes in this ecosystem allow cancer-causing mutations to outcompete healthy rivals, leading to an increase in cancerous cells. Inflammation is a critical factor in this process, hurting the growth and maintenance of healthy B-cell progenitor cells.
Researchers developed two new risk prediction tools to identify patients with diabetes at high risk of blindness and amputation, using existing patient data. The tools aim to personalize care and advice for those in greatest need.
Researchers at FAU found that global warming in Earth's history occurred at a similar rate to today. The team analyzed climate changes over the past 250 million years and discovered that rapid fluctuations were invisible but not absent. Current temperature increases appear slower due to longer observation periods.