A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) responds differently to others' good fortune depending on an individual's level of empathy. Participants with high empathy scores showed a specialized ACC response only when another person was likely to win, while those with low empathy ...
Researchers develop new targeted delivery method using silk sponge to reduce chemotherapy's toxic effects on children with neuroblastoma. The approach slows tumor growth and reduces systemic toxicity, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy.
Scientists at Tufts University developed an AI approach to illuminate cellular processes and suggest possible targets for aberrant development. The method was applied to tadpoles, where melanoma-like cells deviated from normal development, indicating a group dynamic rather than single-cell decisions.
A mutation in a key enzyme affects sphingolipid levels, leading to neurodegeneration. Researchers found that increased 20-carbon sphingolipids cause problems with neuronal membranes.
A new capsule form of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in resolving diarrhoea in patients with difficult-to-treat C difficile infection. The study found a 90% rate of symptom resolution, suggesting that FMT could potentially supersede antibiotics as a treatment option.
Researchers identify that activation of normally protective immune responses causes nerve cell death by affecting mitochondria function. SARM1 protein is responsible, providing a potential target for therapy.
A Lancet study found that women contribute significantly to global healthcare, with an estimated $3 trillion added value, yet nearly half of this labor is unpaid, unrecognized, and unaccounted for.
A study of 173,797 female breast cancer patients found that catching cancers when they are small makes a difference to survival, even with modern therapies. Traditional factors such as tumour size and lymph node status have a significant influence on overall mortality independent of age and tumour biology.
A recent study published in Radiology found that older adults recover more slowly from concussions, exhibiting reduced neural plasticity and persistent hypoactivation. This suggests that mild traumatic brain injuries may have a more profound effect on older patients, highlighting the need for age-specific management strategies.
Scientists at Cardiff University have discovered a key protein that regulates inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, enabling the development of tailored treatment plans. This breakthrough has the potential to improve disease outcomes and quality of life for patients with this debilitating condition.
Scientists have discovered a new species of the marine mammal group Desmostylia, which went extinct 23 million years ago. The new fossils reveal that desmos were unique in their diet and eating habits, using powerful muscles to suck vegetation from coastal bottoms.
A Binghamton University biochemist has discovered a method to fight cancer by attacking only cancer cells and potentially reducing side effects. Hedgehogs, which normally turn off in mature cells, somehow re-activate in certain cancers, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Researchers have built the first prototype of a miniature particle accelerator that uses terahertz radiation, demonstrating feasibility and potential for miniaturizing entire setups. The technology holds promise for various applications, including materials science, medicine, and particle physics.
Researchers found that edible gifts given by male crickets to their female partners during mating contain unique proteins that could affect the females' behavior. The proteins in the nuptial gift may promote cell growth and development in target tissue, influencing female reproductive behavior.
The University of Georgia has received a $8.2 million grant to support families in the Georgia child welfare system. The project aims to create positive and stable homes through research-based services, including a couples education program and financial literacy education. Nearly 1,500 families in 13 rural counties will be served.
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) has been awarded a $20 million CDC grant to expand its efforts in preventing another Ebola outbreak in Liberia. The two-year grant will support training of healthcare workers, improvement of public health laboratory systems and hospital diagnostic services.
A 125-million-year-old bird fossil from Spain provides a unique glimpse into the anatomy of early bird flight. The discovery supports the notion that some ancient birds were capable of aerodynamic feats similar to those of modern birds.
Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and developmental abnormalities. Current guidance is inconsistent and often misleading, leaving women uncertain about safe levels of consumption.
Two studies found that minimally invasive laparoscopic-assisted resection did not provide better cancer outcomes compared to open resection for patients with stage II or III rectal cancer. Laparoscopic resection was also shown to be inferior in terms of cancer control and adequacy of removal.
A study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that predictive analytics can pinpoint soldiers at highest violence risk for preventive interventions. The model, developed from administrative data, identifies 5% of soldiers as having the highest predicted risk, accounting for a significant proportion of violent crimes.
The feet of Homo naledi, a newly discovered human ancestor, are remarkably similar to those of modern humans in form and structure. This suggests that Homo naledi was a long-distance traveler with an arched foot, similar to early human species such as Homo erectus.
A new study led by UC San Francisco physician Robert Rodriguez demonstrates that nearly all major and minor injuries from blunt trauma can be detected with fewer chest CT scans. The study developed decision-making tools based on clinical criteria to avoid unnecessary diagnostic imaging, reducing radiation exposure and medical costs.
A UK-based study has found that babies born underweight or overweight are more likely to experience hearing and vision problems in adulthood. Better childhood growth, as measured by adult height, is associated with improved sensory function, highlighting the importance of prenatal care.
Researchers have identified a virus-drug combination that shows improved effectiveness against brain tumor cells, specifically glioblastoma. The combination of the myxoma virus and certain existing drugs, such as axitinib, reduces tumor-initiating cell viability by 20% or more.
A new approach using DNA nanomachines can detect specific antibodies in five minutes, enabling rapid and affordable point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases like HIV. This technology promises to reduce healthcare costs and treatment initiation delays.
A Baylor University study found that students with higher 'intellectual arrogance' tended to perform better academically, particularly in individual coursework. In contrast, humble individuals received higher evaluations from team members on group projects.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography, NMR and simulation to study protein movements in crystals. The results show that proteins continue to produce slight residual movements even when crystallised, which blurs the structures obtained via crystallography.
A study by Loyola University Medical Center found that hospitals with increased nurse-to-bed ratios, full adoption of electronic medical records, inpatient physical rehabilitation, home-health programs, and pain management programs were more likely to overcome the 'weekend effect' and improve patient outcomes. This suggests that improv...
Researchers at Aarhus University found that butterflies in Greenland have become smaller due to warmer summers, affecting their mobility and population dynamics. The study, published in Biology Letters, is one of the longest known time series on body size variation in butterflies.
Five researchers have been awarded Ferring Innovation Grants to support groundbreaking research in Reproductive Health, Gastroenterology, and Urology. The winners are working on innovative projects including immunomodulation of RELMβ for IBD and targeting Cripto in castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A Johns Hopkins surgeon calls on hospitals to end preventable bouts of food and sleep deprivation in emergency rooms and surgical units. The expert argues that acute malnutrition and sleep deprivation have increased with busier hospitals and an aging population, leading to delayed healing and readmissions.
A new study found that US clinical trials of chronic pain drugs experienced a steady increase in placebo response over time. The analysis revealed that trials conducted only in the US showed this trend, whereas European and Asian trials did not.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that all relatives of individuals with colorectal cancer are at increased risk for this cancer, regardless of their age. The risk is highest among young first-degree relatives under 50 years old.
A new technique using human embryonic stem cells has been developed by Professor Gilbert Bernier, allowing for the production of light-sensitive retina cells. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for currently non-curable eye diseases like Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration.
A new survey from Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research reveals that Copenhagen residents are less welcoming to immigrants, with only 29.5% rating relations between Danes and non-Western immigrants as 'excellent' or 'good'. In contrast, 48% of Houstonians said the same about their city.
A novel cybercatalog of southern African flower-loving flies showcases how taxonomic knowledge can be made available through links to online data providers. The catalog utilizes persistent identifiers, enabling machines to access the information, and demonstrates a digital future for taxonomy.
A new discovery at Oregon State University has shown that potassium can work effectively with graphite in a potassium-ion battery, potentially posing a challenge to the widely-used lithium-ion battery. The findings could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solution.
Matthew D. Disney's innovative approach uses cells as reaction vessels to synthesize treatments within disease-affected cells, offering highly specific and precise therapies. This technology has potential applications in treating over 30 incurable diseases, including ALS, fragile X syndrome, and Huntington's disease.
Marc Gershow, NYU physicist, receives $2.4M NIH New Innovator Award for pioneering research on brain processing and sensory perception. His lab will study how fruit fly larvae use smell to navigate using light-controlled neurons.
A study of 41 Danish women who received ovarian tissue transplants found that the procedure is effective in restoring ovarian function and fertility in up to 10 years. The majority of patients (31%) became pregnant, with some even experiencing full-term pregnancies.
Researchers discovered the evolution of the giraffe's long neck involved two stages, with the first stage elongating only the front portion of the C3 vertebra and the second stage extending the back portion. The study found that modern giraffes are the only species to undergo both stages.
Researchers create biphilic surface that repels water in some areas and attracts it in others, delaying frost formation even at 6 degrees below freezing. The unique condensation dynamics on the surface cause small droplets to merge and release energy, delaying freezing for over 3 hours.
Researchers have developed a system to enhance ACS data, enabling easier analysis of critical information in predefined geographic areas. The new tools allow planners to access socio-economic data on desired regions and time periods, making it easier for policy decisions.
The Handbook of Computational Intelligence brings together experts to provide a systematic background for solving problems in various applications. It explores the intersection of nature-inspired approaches and computational methods, shedding light on hybrid systems and industrial applications.
A study by Professor Victor Boucher of the University of Montreal found that repeating aloud boosts verbal memory, especially when done in a context of communication. The research showed that repeating aloud to someone else increased information recall compared to repeating silently or in one's head.
A study found that supervised exercise programs and self-management advice did not improve activity limitation or quality of life after removal of immobilization for patients with an uncomplicated ankle fracture. The findings suggest routine care should include self-management advice but not a supervised exercise program.
Researchers found that patients with advanced cancer are willing to pay more for aspects of a good end-of-life experience compared to healthy older adults. Both groups highly value high-quality healthcare experiences, including being treated with respect and receiving coordinated care. The study suggests that health reform efforts shou...
The new augmented microscopy technology overlays real and computer-generated images to help surgeons visualize blood flow, cancerous tissue, and anatomical structures more accurately. This innovation aims to improve the translation of research into clinical practice, particularly in neurosurgery and laser surgery.
Researchers have developed a polymer blend that significantly improves light output from LEDs by manipulating hole-mobility and exploiting the difference in energy levels of the polymers. The optimized device achieves an ultrahigh efficiency of approximately 27 candelas per amp, outperforming a similar device using only Super Yellow.
A new study found that surgical trainees who continue to practice beyond achieving initial proficiency retain information longer and master surgical skills better. The study, presented at the American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress, showed that overlearning can decrease the learning curve and improve overall scores.
Teaching children theory of mind enables them to engage in deception, suggesting a causal link between the cognitive ability and lying behavior. Children who received ToM training were more likely to lie in hide-and-seek tasks compared to those in control groups.
A new simulation training program cuts precious minutes off trauma patients' evaluation times, getting them to medical imaging tests faster. The program involves former trauma patients and families in providing feedback to caregivers.
Typhoon Choi-wan strengthened earlier this month before showing signs of weakening due to northerly winds, currently situated approximately 512 nautical miles east of Iwo To island
The Department of Defense has awarded a nearly $6 million grant to Houston Methodist to further bone fracture repair research. Researchers aim to develop technologies that can help mend broken bones faster and more efficiently.
A team of Caltech biologists has created a non-surgical approach to deliver long-term contraception using a single shot, rendering animals infertile for up to two months. The technique targets the 'master regulator of reproduction,' gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), neutralizing its effects and preventing conception.
A study by University of Florida scientist Derek Cummings found that high temperatures during strong El Niño seasons increase dengue incidence in Southeast Asia. Urban areas act as 'pacemakers' for traveling waves of epidemics moving to nearby rural areas.
A new review emphasizes the significance of nutrition throughout life for maintaining a healthy skeleton, particularly in children and seniors who are at risk of osteoporosis. The study finds that adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein can help prevent premature bone loss and fractures.
The MIT Deshpande Center has awarded grants to 15 research teams working on emerging technologies with potential impact in disease monitoring, cancer treatment, and more. The center provides support and guidance to innovators as they develop viable technologies.
Researchers found polarization-induced energy level shifts on the edges of organic molecular systems differ significantly from the rest of the material. This affects interface properties and may require consideration when designing components.
Researchers found that a tolerant immune system, characterized by high levels of regulatory T cells, increases the risk of certain types of cancer. The study analyzed blood samples from EPIC participants with cancer and controls, revealing a strong link between immunotolerance and increased lung and colon cancer risks.