UK toddlers show increased fine motor control when using touchscreens from a young age, with actively scrolling screens correlating to improved skill development. The study found no link between touchscreen use and language development or walking abilities.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the final execution step in parthanatos, a form of programmed brain cell death. MIF's ability has been linked to stroke but also may be involved in other neurodegenerative diseases.
A five-year review of over 275,000 visits at UT Southwestern Medical Center showed that PSA testing remained unchanged despite revised guidelines discouraging its use. The study found slight increases in PSA levels after the guidelines were revised, but these had little clinical impact on treatment or results.
Iowa State researchers developed a method to design and fabricate microfibers that support cell growth, which could be used to reconnect nerves and regenerate damaged tissues. The fibers are flexible, biocompatible, and biodegradable, and have been shown to promote neural stem cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that microalgae produce hydrogen all day long, not just in short bursts. They increased production by 400% through genetic engineering and discovered effective mechanisms to remove oxygen, making it clear algae have huge potential for clean energy production.
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University and Harvard University developed a mathematical tool to visualize electron shapes in superconducting materials. This innovation helps gain a better understanding of complex material properties, paving the way for future discoveries.
Researchers have developed a simple and effective method for synthesizing thiophene-fused PAHs, reducing the number of required steps and reagent costs. The new approach uses elemental sulfur to induce thienannulation reactions on arylethynyl-substituted PAHs.
Researchers used 3D live imaging to study the formation process of lateral roots in plants, clarifying part of the mechanism that creates new meristematic tissue. This discovery could potentially be used to control plant growth by artificially altering root system architecture.
Researchers found that Giant Ceropegia flowers mimic the scent of honeybees under attack to fool freeloading flies into pollinating them. The study reveals a complex reproductive strategy where plants use alarm pheromones to lure in insects.
Amy McGovern uses high-resolution simulations, data mining, and visualization techniques to identify precursors of tornadoes and improve warning lead times. Her goal is to reduce false alarms and increase prediction accuracy.
The global aviation industry aims to halve its net carbon emissions by 2050 through improved engines and biofuels, with over 2,500 flights using alternative fuels already completed. The transition is underway, but more funding and policy support are needed for biofuel production
Researchers have engineered a novel, virus-like shell that can self-assemble and carry therapeutic DNA or RNA into human cells. This breakthrough could advance gene therapy treatments for rare genetic diseases and common conditions like diabetes.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology shows that automated UV light device curbs CDI by 25 percent. The no-touch device also resulted in substantial healthcare savings, estimated between $350,000 and $1.5 million annually.
Researchers have developed a way to increase the amount of electrical current an iron-based material can carry while maintaining its superconducting properties and raising its critical temperature. The method uses low-energy proton bombardment to introduce defects in the material's crystal structure, pinning magnetic vortices and impro...
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $382,650 in grants through the Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program. The program aims to increase participation of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields, with a focus on rural areas.
Researchers have discovered vigilin, a 'lock keeper' protein in liver cells that regulates fat release and influences transport proteins. The study found a strong correlation between vigilin levels and fatty liver percentage.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab break major barrier in transistor size by creating a gate only 1-nanometer long, challenging the conventional 5-nanometer threshold. The achievement enables electrons to be controlled with smaller gate lengths using carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide.
A new technique using computer 'deep learning' and light-based, holographic scans can spot malaria-infected cells from simple blood samples, offering fast and reliable diagnosis in resource-limited areas. The method was tested on hundreds of cells and accurately identified malaria 97 to 100 percent of the time.
A newly discovered protozoan parasite, Tritrichomonas musculis, has been found to protect mice from intestinal bacterial infections by activating the inflammasome in gut epithelial cells. This discovery highlights the importance of considering non-bacterial microorganisms in studying the microbiome.
Researchers found that lactoferrin, a protein in breast milk, reduced hospital-acquired infections by 50% among premature infants. The study also measured the safety of feeding lactoferrin to newborns, with no adverse effects identified.
Researchers identified thicker airway smooth muscle and a stronger immune response to allergens in patients with asthma compared to those without. This study used innovative imaging technology to analyze the structure and function of airway cells, shedding new light on the underlying causes of asthma.
Researchers found strong biological evidence linking Zika virus infection to Guillain-Barré syndrome in a substantial number of patients. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, supports the correlation with immunologic and viral evidence of Zika infection.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found significant variation in Medicare expenditures for treating surgical complications across hospitals. High-cost hospitals charged 2- to 3-fold more than low-cost ones, despite similar rates of failure to rescue and overall mortality.
A new study reveals that some HIV-infected children control the virus by activating low levels of immune activation and producing potent antibodies. This differs from adults who develop AIDS despite effective antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers found that current testing procedures are only 77% accurate in predicting driving safety for people with dementia, highlighting the need for better tools to assess their ability to drive safely. Healthcare professionals should work closely with older adults and caregivers to determine when it's time to stop driving.
Research found that healthy lifestyle habits like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and staying socially connected can potentially compress the period of disability in older adults before death. However, factors such as smoking, being inactive, and unhealthy diets were associated with longer periods of disability.
Researchers examine how large payments are necessary to induce landowners to accept conservation contracts, considering permanent and temporary options. The study reveals that permanent lump-sum payments need to be higher due to 'loss of option value,' while linking carbon payments to profits reduces uncertainty and hesitation.
A study published in The Lancet highlights the importance of providing nurturing care and supporting parenting practices to help children reach their full potential. The analysis estimates that 250 million children are at risk of poor development due to extreme poverty and stunting, with significant costs for countries and individuals.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that Pinterest users are drawn to the platform's unique features, including easy-to-follow instructions and intuitive navigation. The study also revealed that users pin content to express their interests and creativity.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new technique using a dermatoscope to quickly diagnose breastfeeding pain. The method allows for 10-fold magnification and a three-dimensional image, enabling accurate identification of causes of nipple pain.
Researchers at RIT will study innovative technologies and policies to minimize and manage food waste across the supply chain. The goal is to create efficient use of energy and water resources while addressing social, economic, and environmental impacts.
Only four in 10 gay and bisexual men in Baltimore are aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that reduces HIV incidence by 92 percent. Despite its effectiveness, PrEP is underused due to lack of education among healthcare providers and patients.
Researchers created fibers that can capture and release solar energy, forming a flexible textile for powering small electronics like tablets and phones. The new materials were woven into a 'smart garment' that can be cut and tailored to store power from sunlight.
A recent study found that personalized primary care programs can improve daily functioning in older adults, particularly those with higher levels of education. After six months, participants in the treatment groups experienced fewer problems compared to the control group, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.
A low-cost device called gripAble enables severely paralysed patients to play arm-training games, increasing movement control by 50% compared to standard methods. The device uses novel technology to detect tiny movements and channel them into controlling a computer game.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that stress can cancel out the benefits of choosing healthier fats, such as monounsaturated sunflower oil. Women who consumed a high-unsaturated-fat breakfast fared better in blood tests looking for precursors to disease than those consuming a high-saturated-fat meal, but this a...
Researchers report two cases of accidents caused by playing Pokémon Go while driving and walking. Players became distracted by the game and lost control of their vehicles or swerved into obstacles. The study highlights the potential risks of augmented reality games on physical safety.
The LudusScope, a 3D printed smartphone microscope, enables kids to play games and make serious observations with miniature light-seeking microbes called Euglena. The device allows students to build their own instrument and collect data on Euglena behavior, swimming speed, and natural biological variability.
Tropical Depression 22W has formed and its center is elongated due to moderate vertical wind shear. The storm is moving northwest at 24 mph and forecast to pass over open waters near Taiwan.
Children with hard-to-control asthma have distinct features that distinguish them from those with easy-to-control asthma. These include bronchodilator responsiveness, nasal inflammation, and allergy, which impact response to treatment. Early identification of key assessments may help personalize treatment approaches for these patients.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered a new brain pathway that can be manipulated to alleviate depression. The BMP signaling pathway plays a key role in depression and can be targeted by a new molecule called Noggin, which stimulates neurogenesis and blocks the pathway.
Einstein researchers conclude that the maximum human lifespan has already been reached at 115 years, with a possible limit of 125 years. This finding suggests that further advances in medicine may not extend human lifespan beyond this point.
A new survey reveals that most postmenopausal women are unaware of vaginal atrophy (VVA), a chronic progressive condition causing urinary problems. Women are reluctant to discuss symptoms with their healthcare providers, hindering effective treatment.
Recent studies suggest that consuming red raspberries may help reduce weight gain and improve motor function. Animal models showed significant reductions in weight gain and improved motor skills with raspberry supplementation, potentially due to the presence of phytochemicals like ellagic acid and quercetin.
A recent survey found that most Americans (65%) think climate change is a problem that needs addressing, with 43% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats agreeing. The survey also revealed that 42% are unwilling to pay even $1 per month for their electric bill to combat climate change, while 20% would be willing to pay up to $50.
Researchers estimate that dams and reservoirs release 1.3% of total human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, a quantity that should be included in global inventories. The authors suggest that careful dam siting and management can help balance the positive ecosystem services of reservoirs against greenhouse gas emission costs.
Experiments show that people's sense of understanding is increased when told others around them comprehend it. The study found that assurance of others' knowledge creates a community of knowledge, where people feel more confident in their own understanding, regardless of actual expertise.
Researchers studied placodont teeth to understand how evolution shaped traits for survival. They found that despite predictions, later placodonts developed unique and complex teeth structures, possibly similar to early human molars.
Researchers discovered that missing enhancers result in abnormal heart function, a finding that bolsters the significance of noncoding regions. A comprehensive genome-wide map of 80,000 human heart enhancers was also provided to facilitate interpretation of human genetic data sets.
A NYU Steinhardt study reveals that students across racial lines hold Black and Latino teachers in higher regard than White teachers. The research underscores the value of a diverse teaching force, particularly for urban schools with majority non-White student populations.
A Kansas State University researcher found that political skill is the only interpersonal skill to have an independent positive relationship with transformational leadership and job satisfaction. Developing this skill can increase work engagement and satisfaction, benefiting organizations.
Scientists have long assumed chimeric RNA indicates cancer, but new research reveals these fusions can also be a normal part of human genetics. Researchers are working to develop more accurate biomarkers and therapeutic targets by understanding the complexities of normal genetic programming.
Researchers have created a new method to combat glioblastomas, a type of brain tumor that is difficult to treat. The method involves testing multiple substances on individual cancer cells from each patient and identifying effective combinations for treatment.
Three-year-olds quickly grasp social norms and infer them from observation, even without direct instruction. They expect others to follow these norms, protesting when they are broken.
Scientists have discovered a 54 million-year-old fossilized biting midge in amber, revealing an unusual vesicular structure at the front edge of its wings. This structure was likely used by the female midge to collect and spray pheromones for attraction, unlike modern biting midges that use simpler methods.
A new study found that boasting about intelligence can make a person seem more competent, but less moral, than those who remain humble. Self-effacement claims also have consequences, with declaring oneself not particularly smart worse for perceived competence than being shown right or wrong.
A University of Washington study links Atlantic Ocean slowdown to changes in the Southern Hemisphere, which affects eastern North America and Western Europe. The shift is not driven by Arctic sea ice melting but rather by winds in the Southern Ocean.
A new study demonstrates how citizen science can be used to improve environmental decision-making and secure funding for conservation projects. Online software and web-portal platforms enable community groups to design protocols, conduct experiments, and implement plans, making them an invaluable tool in addressing environmental issues.
New research suggests that teenagers' sensitivity to reward is an evolutionary adaptation to learn from their environment. The study found that adolescents outperformed adults in a picture-based game requiring learning from positive and negative reinforcement cues.
A new analysis of over a thousand fossil fishes reveals that holosteans were as evolutionarily innovative as teleosts, and perhaps even more so. The study, led by the University of Pennsylvania's John Clarke, challenges the traditional view of teleosts' success story.