Researchers found that individuals with early signs of psychosis relied more heavily on prior knowledge to interpret ambiguous images, leading to improved task performance. This suggests an altered balance in normal brain functions contributing to the emergence of mental illness symptoms.
A team of researchers at the University of Virginia Health System is exploring the link between glucose metabolism and heart function. They aim to identify a therapeutic window where intervention can prevent cardiac dysfunction and subsequent heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to create nanohoops, tiny organic circular structures that can efficiently absorb and distribute energy. These nanostructures show promise in solar cells, organic light-emitting diodes, and medical diagnostics.
Dr. Yan Dong receives the $25,000 award for his contributions to understanding how drugs of abuse alter brain communication and mediate relapse behavior. He has identified key brain regions and mechanisms involved in motivation and reward.
The Society for Neuroscience has announced winners of its achievement awards, recognizing individuals who have promoted women's advancement in neuroscience and demonstrated excellence in mentoring and research. The award recipients include Julio Ramirez, Allison J. Doupe, Debra Bangasser, Mingshan Xue, Janice Naegele, and Paul Greengard.
Research published in Heliyon found that women born in summer months were more likely to be healthy adults, with slightly higher birth weights and later onset of puberty. This effect is thought to be linked to increased vitamin D exposure during pregnancy, which can influence childhood growth and development.
A new dielectric film has been developed with a refractive index as low as 1.025, allowing for improved optical properties in photonic devices. The film's mechanical stability is also enhanced, making it suitable for incorporation into electronic devices.
Researchers found that polyamines, which decline with age, regulate the functioning of circadian clocks. Administering polyamine supplements restored clock function in older mice, suggesting potential clinical applications.
An analysis of seven clinical services found significant declines in imaging for headaches and cardiac imaging in low-risk patients. The study, part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, aimed to reduce unnecessary medical procedures and treatments.
Ed Boyden and Nachum Ulanovsky are recognized for their groundbreaking work in neuroscience, including pioneering discoveries in optogenetics and neural activity recording. Their research is advancing our understanding of brain function and has the potential to lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
A new study found that drinking cranberry juice improves vascular function and blood flow in healthy men. Cranberry polyphenols were shown to have a potent, dose-dependent relationship with these benefits, suggesting an important role for cranberries in a heart-healthy diet.
A study of Medicare patients found that those transported by basic life support ambulances had better survival rates than those transported by advanced life support ambulances. This is despite ALS ambulances being dispatched preferentially for life-threatening conditions.
Brown University researchers have created a new optoelectronic device that can stimulate multiple neuronal targets optically and record the effects in millisecond precision. This breakthrough allows scientists to control brain cell activity using specific spatial patterns of light pulses, enabling the study of neural circuits and netwo...
A comprehensive genomic analysis suggests that dengue fever can persist year-round in southern China, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found a complex mix of viral subtypes, increasing the risk of epidemic outbreaks when new variants emerge and infect people with no prior exposure.
Researchers with the University of British Columbia found that inhibiting infants' tongue movements impedes their ability to distinguish between speech sounds. The study suggests that babies' oral-motor movements play a crucial role in speech perception development.
Researchers found that effective HIV therapy can lower the risk of HBV infection, and vaccination against HBV protects individuals from acquiring a new HBV infection regardless of HIV status. However, vaccination rates remain low among high-risk groups.
A new study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that female employees gained more social capital from affiliation with high-status mentors than their male counterparts. This increased visibility and legitimacy made women more attractive network partners for their colleagues, leading to broader professional networks.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new tool called ClustEval to facilitate efficient and unbiased data analysis. By comparing the performance of various clustering methods, researchers can identify the most suitable tool for their specific needs.
Scientists have developed a new technique to measure the speed of internal waves below the ocean surface using a single satellite image. This allows for more accurate information to be obtained from satellites, enabling researchers to track ocean currents and objects moving on or below the surface.
A new method of predicting the path of weaponized chemical agents has been developed by UTSA associate professor Kiran Bhaganagar, with a focus on tracking environmental conditions that affect the direction and movement of released chemical agents. The project aims to enable faster evacuation and response to chemical terrorist attacks.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered how cancer-induced bone destruction causes skeletal muscle weakness. Inhibiting TGF-β improved muscle function in mouse models of human cancers.
Researchers found that video conferencing can facilitate shared decision-making among terminally ill patients and family caregivers in hospice care. The study highlights the need for more research on shared decision-making in hospice care to improve patient-centered care.
Researchers studying ancient neural circuits in humans have found that vestigial muscles behind the ears are still responsive to sounds that attract attention. This discovery could lead to new insights into infant hearing deficits and the development of objective measures for positive emotions in adults.
The University of Hawai'i Cancer Center has been awarded a five-year $5.5 million grant to support research on cervical cancer, oral cancer, and other cancers affecting Pacific Islanders in the region. The partnership aims to reduce the disproportionate cancer burden in Pacific Island populations.
A new system is being developed to understand the three-dimensional structure of the human genome, which is intricately looped and packed into microscopic nuclei. The Nucleome Positioning System (NPS) will deliver complex interaction network maps that can provide insight into gene expression in normal development and disease.
Researchers estimate that introducing Ebola treatment beds prevented an estimated 57,000 Ebola cases and 40,000 deaths in Sierra Leone. The study suggests that this could have been reduced further if the beds were introduced one month earlier.
A large-scale study has revealed that only juvenile fish are found under the Arctic sea ice, a habitat feared to disappear due to climate change. The researchers caught over nine billion polar cod using a new net, providing insights into their lifecycle and origin.
Total travel trips and time spent on journeys have remained stable since 1965, but increased distances traveled have nearly doubled, according to the National Travel Survey. The data suggests that investment in transport and car use have expanded employment and leisure opportunities for women and older people.
A study reveals the best tactics for manipulating your partner's parents, including demonstrating how good you are for their child. Mothers may be more easily won over than fathers, with certain tactics being more successful than others.
Researchers are exploring plasma-based treatments for fungal infections, as well as using plasmas to extend the shelf life of seafood. Additionally, advancements in plasma propulsion technology are being made for small spacecraft, offering potential solutions for satellite thrusters.
The Society for Neuroscience awards recognize two neuroscientists, Adam Gazzaley and E. Paul Zehr, for their contributions to promoting public education and awareness about neuroscience. Diasynou Fioravante and Nicole Baganz are also honored for their outreach efforts and commitment to making science accessible to the public.
Researchers at Osaka University found that smoking habits change the levels of α-klotho and FGF-21 in blood serum, which are linked to aging. These changes suggest a metabolic disorder and may contribute to accelerated aging in smokers.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that woody vines, known as lianas, dramatically reduce tropical forests' ability to store carbon. By crowding out trees and killing them, lianas lead to reduced tree growth and increased tree death, resulting in a 76% decrease in above-ground biomass.
Patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes who drank red wine daily for two years showed improved cardiac health and cholesterol management. The study suggests that moderate alcohol intake may have specific benefits for lipid variables, but the authors caution against potential risks.
New research reveals the three-dimensional structure of supercoiled DNA, showing it forms multiple shapes, including figure-8s and handcuffs. The study challenges the traditional Watson-Crick double helix structure, suggesting a dynamic nature that helps explain how a meter of DNA can fit in a human cell.
Researchers studied concussion-like symptom reporting in over 30,000 uninjured adolescents, finding a link between symptom reporting and male sex, preexisting psychiatric and neurological conditions. The study suggests that the definition of 'asymptomatic' after concussion can be challenging to determine.
Researchers discovered 16 RNA-binding proteins whose depletion affects stem cell pluripotency and identified six RBPs making up the critical protein complex called small subunit processome (SSUP). Enhanced translational activity is crucial for ESC maintenance, while precise regulation of translation rates may influence stem cell determ...
Male fruit flies release a specific pheromone, 9-tricosene, that attracts females to lay eggs near food sources. This discovery sheds light on how flies navigate complex environments using odorants, and its potential application in controlling mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
Estimated electricity production from African urban waste could reach 122.2 TWh in 2025, alleviating energy poverty for millions. However, poor waste management limits actual potential to 83.8 TWh, affecting 27 million families.
A multicenter study confirms lithium's efficacy and safety for children with bipolar disorder in the short term. The study showed significant improvement in symptoms compared to placebo, without significant weight gain or serious side effects.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking both Pten and Shp2 enzymes are prone to lethal anemia, which can occur even if they lack one of the enzymes alone. This finding suggests that genomic screening before treatment may help prevent anemia in cancer patients.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) discovered a protein called syndecan-4 that plays a critical role in developing allergic airway inflammation. The study found that syndecan-4 helps immune cells migrate to T-cells, initiating an immune reaction and sensitization to specific allergens.
Keren Haroush and Jerry Chen receive $25,000 each for their pioneering work on neural mechanisms of cooperative social interaction and learning, respectively. Their studies have significantly advanced understanding of brain function and behavior.
Researchers are working on a novel transparent skull implant made from yttria-stabilized zirconia, which could provide a 'window' to the brain and enable laser-based treatments of life-threatening disorders. The project aims to enhance material properties, shape the implant for better fitment, and study its response in animal studies.
Matthew Lovett-Barron received the $2,500 prize for his innovative approach combining pharmacogenetics, neural recordings, and optogenetics to study fear learning and its neural mechanisms. His work has significant implications for understanding panic and anxiety disorders.
A new study reveals how breast cancer cells become desensitized to lapatinib, a common cancer drug, by turning FOXO into an oncogene c-Myc. The researchers hope to develop new tools to fix this adaptation pathway and improve therapy for HER2+ breast cancer.
A new study reveals that powerful winds in Antarctica are removing massive amounts of snow, potentially boosting estimates of potential sea-level rise. The research found that scour zones, where winds persistently scrape away at the surface, have lost up to 90% of their snow cover, equivalent to 80 billion tons per year.
A new study projects a doubling of Antarctic ice shelf surface melting by 2050 and a significant increase in melting by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The research highlights the importance of climate policy in mitigating the effects of warming on ice shelves.
Pietro De Camilli is awarded the Julius Axelrod Prize for his outstanding achievements in neuropharmacology and commitment to mentoring young scientists. His work has shed light on neurotransmitter release and membrane trafficking, with implications for understanding diseases of the nervous system.
A recent study published in Nitric Oxide found that consuming beet juice rich in nitrates can restore reduced blood vessel function at high altitudes. This natural substance helps the body acclimatize to lower oxygen levels by converting nitrate into nitric oxide, which improves blood vessel relaxation.
A new study found that elevated blood sugar levels in pregnancy are linked to an increased risk of congenital heart defects, including tetralogy of Fallot and dextrotransposition of the great arteries. High glucose levels were correlated with an increased risk of tetralogy of Fallot, but not dextrotransposition of the great arteries.
Researchers have identified a two-molecule sensing mechanism that allows human cells to detect electric fields, opening up new avenues for understanding wound healing and cellular movement.
A 3D printed model of a fetus's face helped doctors at the University of Michigan determine the severity of a life-threatening airway mass in a baby. The model was created using an MRI and allowed doctors to visualize the soft tissue mass, ultimately leading to a scheduled C-section instead of a risky lifesaving procedure.
A Penn study shows that gene therapy can cure canine X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, even when treatment is started at mid- or late-stage disease. The treatment successfully halted photoreceptor cell loss and maintained vision in dogs for over three years.
Researchers at KAIST have developed ten general strategies of systems metabolic engineering to successfully develop industrial microbial strains. The strategies cover economic, state-of-the-art biological techniques and traditional bioprocess aspects.
A comprehensive study of non-protein-coding RNAs in human cancers has identified alterations linked to 13 different cancer types. The research provides a rich resource for investigating lncRNA dysregulation and identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Researchers at NC State University have used 'Avatar' experiments to study locomotion and discovered that resonance tuning is a key mechanism behind springy leg behavior. By understanding how the nervous system interacts with the leg, they aim to design more efficient exoskeletons for humans.
A study led by Indiana University biologist Patricia Foster found that external environmental forces and oxidation are the primary threats to DNA repair, unlike previously thought. The research used whole genome analysis of spontaneous mutation in E. coli and showed that only loss of oxidative damage repair significantly impacted mutat...
Lianas slow tree growth and reduce aboveground carbon uptake by over three-quarters, threatening carbon storage capacity. This reduction can lead to a positive feedback loop, accelerating climate change.
A two-year randomized controlled trial found that moderate wine consumption, especially red wine, can modestly decrease cardio-metabolic risk and improve sugar control. The study also found that slow alcohol-metabolizers who drank red wine achieved an improvement in blood sugar control.
Researchers at the University of Reading and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts found that accounting for unusual winds miles up in the stratosphere can make long-range winter weather forecasts twice as accurate. This allows forecasters to predict extreme winter weather events up to four weeks before they occur, providi...
A team of marine scientists discovered four new deep-water coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean using predictive mathematical models. The reefs were identified at depths of up to 1.2km west of Ireland and confirmed during a two-week expedition using an underwater robot.
Researchers identified a key mechanism driving prostate cancer development, where normal cells undergo epigenetic reprogramming to form malignant growth. The study provides insights into the origins of prostate cancer and potential targets for prevention and treatment.
Children leverage their early world knowledge to help unlock language skills, recognizing links between new word meanings. The study found that children recognized new words more easily when they already knew many related words.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine studied tiny DNA minicircles containing only 336 base pairs to understand biologically active DNA. They found that the coiling caused many different shapes, including sharp bends and figure-8s, and showed how these structures facilitate DNA interactions with proteins and anticancer drugs.
Floodwaters in Vermont (2011) and Colorado (2013) highlighted the impact of downstream increases and decreases in stream power on erosion and sedimentation. The study successfully predicted river channel and floodplain responses in almost 90% of cases, revealing the potential role of downstream changes in stream power.
Researchers discovered two major types of cortical neurons providing separate mechanisms for stimulus-specific adaptation in the brain. This phenomenon helps the brain distinguish between expected and unexpected sounds, enhancing sensitivity to rare sounds. The findings provide new insights into the neural basis of key hearing phenomena.
A recent global analysis predicts a decline in marine species diversity and abundance as ocean acidification and warming are expected to have devastating effects on fisheries and ecosystems worldwide. Microorganisms are the only group likely to thrive, while carnivorous fish face a collapse from top of food chain.
A new study projects more extreme weather in the Amazon, with frequent and extensive droughts expected to impact forest structure, biomass, and carbon emissions. The region will experience profound implications for the environment, including increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Research suggests extending flu vaccine administration to 5-16 year old children is the most cost-effective option, reducing disease burden in the general population. Universal vaccination of all low-risk individuals over 2 years could achieve the highest net benefit.
UK cage fighters are engaging in potentially hazardous behaviors to shed pounds quickly, with two-thirds using 'water loading' and one-third taking diuretics. The researchers warn of increased risk of brain damage from head blows sustained during loss of consciousness.
A study found that cardiac patients receiving care from physicians and advanced practice providers have comparable quality of care, despite low compliance with performance measures. Advanced practice providers showed higher rates of screening for smoking and referral to cardiac rehabilitation.
A new study suggests that girls who suffer a concussive bump on the head in childhood may be at increased risk for abusing alcohol as adults. However, research found that female mice living in an enriched environment reversed this effect by reducing drinking and degeneration of axons.
A new RNA editing technique called exon skipping has shown promising results in treating a rare and severe form of muscular dystrophy. The treatment, licensed to the Kurt+Peter Foundation, aims to slow down muscle decline and stabilize function in individuals with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2C.
Researchers used climate models to predict how greenhouse warming could be the source of water on early Mars, which would support a warm and habitable environment. The study found that volcanic fluxes caused by plate tectonics may have led to a high percentage of hydrogen in the atmosphere, driving global warming.
A recent study by Dr Shawn McGuire and Dr Louise Sperling found that farmers in developing countries do not scale back on seed production during times of stress. Instead, they adapt and access seed from various channels, including local markets, which supply more than half of all seed used by farmers. This challenges conventional appro...
Dr. Story Landis has been awarded the Ralph W. Gerard Prize in Neuroscience for her significant contributions to neuroscience research and public service. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on synapse formation and neurotrophins, as well as her leadership in transforming NINDS into a training and mentorship hub.
New research suggests that multiracial individuals may be healthier than minority peers who consistently identify as monoracial. Health care systems continue to use outdated approaches to racial categorization, masking health conditions and obscuring disparities in healthcare access and utilization among multiracial populations.
A new grant from the NIH will support the creation of a national chimpanzee brain resource at GW University, providing access to tissue samples, MRI scans, and data for scientists. The resource aims to promote further study of chimpanzee brains for future generations.
Researchers identified four consensus molecular subtypes of bowel cancer, allowing doctors to treat each type differently. The study has implications for identifying patients at risk of developing more serious disease and tailoring treatments.
Researchers have discovered that short segments of genes associated with severe malaria are shared across multiple species, including humans, apes, and chimps. This finding suggests an ancient genomic structure underlying human malaria virulence factors, which could aid in developing new treatments and vaccines.
Terrence Sejnowski receives the Swartz Prize for his significant cumulative contribution to theoretical models and computational methods in neuroscience. He has made major research discoveries, including learning models for birdsong and neuroeconomics.
Researchers at Florida State University have created the first complete bird family tree, showing that all land birds diverged from a group of dinosaurs. The study reveals unexpected relationships between different bird species, including the connection between hummingbirds and nightjars.
Childhood cancer survivors showed significant improvements in working memory, attention, and processing speed after completing computer-based cognitive training. The training program, using Cogmed, improved performance comparable to stimulant medications and showed changes in brain activity suggesting neuroplasticity.
William B. Kristan is recognized for his outstanding contributions to neuroscience education and training. He has established the Neurobiology Boot Camp course at UCSD, which provides students with a comprehensive understanding of neuroscience.
Joshua Levitz, PhD, received the Nemko Prize for his innovative approach to studying G protein-coupled receptors. His method will impact brain circuitry research and our understanding of receptor signaling.
Only four out of 27 mental health apps accredited by the NHS provide scientific proof that they work, with many failing to demonstrate clinical effectiveness. The authors urge removal of these apps from the NHS library to prevent potential harm and waste of money.
A comprehensive assessment of acrylamide in smokeless tobacco products found exposure levels to be relatively low and comparable across different types. However, the study suggests that snus and other STPs present a minor source of acrylamide exposure compared to diet or cigarette smoking.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience has found that individuals with anorexia nervosa exhibit distinct brain activity patterns when making food choices, including increased activation in the dorsal striatum. These findings have significant implications for developing new treatments and understanding disease mechanisms.