Researchers have identified two key symptoms that make it harder for depressed smokers to quit: low positive affect and cognitive impairment. A new treatment approach, combining Chantix with behavioral activation therapy, is being tested to target these challenges.
Researchers discover that inflammatory signaling in bone marrow tumor environment drives malignancy and predicts leukemia development. The study reveals that mesenchymal stem cells under stress release inflammatory molecules causing DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells, increasing leukemia risk.
Physicists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have successfully controlled the polarization of light, reducing its speed by up to 10 times. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of spatial light modulators, which could enable faster and more efficient data processing in photonic computers.
Scientists from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have identified a key enzyme in regulating our appetite, revealing how low glucose levels activate AMPK to control food intake. This breakthrough provides new insights into the complex mechanisms governing our eating behavior.
A unique open science project has been developed to address the lack of commercial incentive for industry to develop drugs for neglected diseases like malaria. Over 50 researchers from 21 organizations contributed to the project, sharing data and collaborating on finding new antimalarial compounds.
A team of researchers from the University of Houston has reported a more efficient catalyst for producing hydrogen gas by splitting water. The new hybrid catalyst requires significantly less energy than existing methods, making it a promising alternative to traditional platinum-based catalysts.
A study by Rush researchers found that TDP-43, a previously recognized pathologic protein, is more likely to result in diagnosed Alzheimer's dementia when combined with plaques and tangles. Mixed pathologies increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia above and beyond just having these brain abnormalities.
A study found that bees continue to use Lévy flight patterns when infected with viruses or diseases, indicating a possible innate ability to withstand pathogens. Researchers tracked individual bees using radar technology and discovered robust searching abilities even in unhealthy bees.
Rice researchers detail previously unexplored aspects of cement's crystalline nature, which affects the energy required to make it and greenhouse gas emissions. By fine-tuning its components, they hope to save energy and reduce carbon emissions in concrete manufacturing.
A recent study by University of Notre Dame researchers shows that businesses must balance quality service with ethical behavior to achieve success. The study found that excellent service alone is not enough for financial outcomes, highlighting the importance of low unethical behavior in customer satisfaction and financial returns.
The CHARA Array, a world-leading optical interferometer, has been upgraded with a $3.9 million grant from the NSF. This new funding will enable scientists worldwide to access the Array's powerful telescopes and explore stars and planets in unprecedented detail.
A Mayo Clinic study found that NOACs dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban are at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. However, apixaban was associated with lower major bleeding rates, while rivaroxaban had a higher risk of serious bleeding.
Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a novel method to create stable monolayers of nanoparticles. The new technique, known as 'tailored' chemistry, uses linker molecules to link adjacent nanoparticles together, creating a stable and durable structure.
Researchers have identified Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the trigger for Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious nervous system disease. The study found that antibodies against the bacteria's surface structure react with human nerve sheaths, leading to an immune reaction and potentially life-threatening paralysis.
A new study has identified a connection between gut microbiota and fat distribution in children and teenagers, with obese youth having different microorganisms living in their digestive tracts. The research suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by certain gut bacteria can contribute to the development of obesity.
Despite President Obama's criticism, a new study suggests that the vast majority of impoverished fathers are involved with their children, including those who have been incarcerated. The research reveals concrete examples of father involvement, such as writing letters and maintaining relationships through phone calls and visitations.
A 200-million-year-old reptile named Drepanosaurus has been found to have unusually shaped forelimb bones with a massive hooked claw. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of four-footed animals and challenges current understanding of tetrapod limb evolution.
A new study shows that dramatic environmental changes in Lake Malawi's water levels and clarity likely drove the diversification of hundreds of cichlid species. The researchers found alternating periods of deep and shallow water, which created new habitats for fish to adapt into.
Recent studies suggest that our environment, including lifestyle choices and living conditions, plays a significant role in shaping our unique immune systems. The review highlights the importance of understanding how environmental influences can be harnessed to improve human health.
A new imaging technique using tau PET has been confirmed to accurately depict changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. The method reveals tau protein accumulation, which is linked to cell death and can be targeted by new drugs.
Researchers found that increased cell membrane fluidity enhances auranofin's ability to induce DNA damage and cellular oxidation in ovarian cancer cells. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes by increasing the drug's effectiveness against cancer cells with fluid membranes.
States could absorb pension burdens and reserve resources for current teacher salary increases, while reforming plans to prevent large debts from reemerging. Research found nearly 11% of teacher earnings goes towards pension debt, affecting services and increasing costs.
A study led by Duke University researchers found that blocking the production of a key receptor can reduce the toxicity of cigarette smoke on zebrafish embryos. The receptors were found to play a role in early embryonic development, particularly the formation of bone, heart and muscle tissues.
A study by LSU Health New Orleans found that people with cervical cancer history consumed significantly more sugar-sweetened beverages, while younger, male, black individuals with high sugar intake were also at higher risk. The researchers recommend targeting lower socio-economic status and young males in intervention programs to reduc...
Researchers from NIST and collaborators suggest a new DNA sequencer based on an electronic nanosensor that can detect tiny motions in single atoms. The device uses a thin film of molybdenum disulfide to store electric charge, allowing for fast and accurate sequencing of DNA bases.
A study from Lund University finds that foreign agricultural companies' crop choices and water management contribute to increased water shortages and competition for resources. This leads to a higher risk of conflicts between humans, plants, and animals in affected areas.
Bacteria have a flexible immune system called CRISPR-Cas that can remember and destroy invading DNA. A new study reveals how this system selects new memories from mutated threats, proposing a positive feedback loop to reduce the risk of evading defences.
A study from the University of Kent found that wild-born bonobos can efficiently crack nuts with a skill level similar to chimpanzees. The research analyzed the behaviour of 18 bonobos at the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary, revealing diverse manipulative abilities and unique hand-use strategies.
A new extinct shark species, Megalolamna paradoxodon, was identified from fossilized teeth in the eastern and western United States, Peru, and Japan. The shark lived during the early Miocene epoch and is a close cousin of the megatoothed lineage, with characteristics similar to the modern-day salmon shark.
A systematic review of brain-training studies found limited evidence supporting claims of improved cognitive abilities in daily life. The researchers identified numerous methodological flaws, including inadequate control groups and a lack of measures for real-world performance.
A University of Adelaide study found that warmer waters and higher CO2 levels can lead to a twenty-fold increase in the population of a common marine crustacean. Males become larger and more attractive to females, resulting in a massive population explosion.
A team of paleontologists identified a new species of extinct reptile, Triopticus primus, estimated to be 230 million years old. The fossil bears an extremely thickened skull roof similar to pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and many other extinct animals resemble later dinosaurs.
A recent study published in Neuron found that hunger is a strong motivational force that can curb rival drives states like thirst, anxiety, and social needs. In the presence of food, activated neurons mimic the state of hunger, suppressing competing systems and guiding motivated behavior.
Researchers have discovered a giant scar beneath the Midwest using a network of seismometers. The Midcontinent Rift, which spans across the region, was formed when the core of North America nearly ripped apart millions of years ago.
Global-scale databases tracking societal events have been found to be unreliable and invalid in new research. The study tested four automated systems, finding they often misclassify words and fail to detect real events.
A new database WoRCS aggregates ecological and geographical data on marine cave-dwelling species to provide information vital for evidence-based conservation. The project aims to engage the scientific community, citizen scientists, and conservationists in analyzing the dataset.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-led team is investigating whether the nasal passages' microbial population affects childhood asthma risk. The study, part of the NIH's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes initiative, aims to develop interventions to prevent asthma development.
The new microscope tracks individual molecules' position and orientation in living cells, shedding light on cellular functions and forces. It detects nanoscale alignment of molecules required for cell movement and division.
A three-armed clinical trial found that spinal manipulation therapy reduced migraine days, but the effect was likely attributed to a placebo response. Migraine treatment with usual drug therapy failed to show sustained benefits.
A global mindset is associated with optimistic goals, such as personal growth and advancement, whereas a local mindset focuses on stability and prevention. Researchers found that individuals with a global identity scored higher in signal detection tasks and preferred positive advertisements.
Researchers propose using bacteria and archaea to monitor stored CO2 and convert it into useful products, such as ethanol and acetate. This approach could enable the detection of potential CO2 leaks and contribute to making large-scale capture and storage of CO2 feasible.
Astronomers analyze Kepler observations of KIC 8462852 and find the star dimming slowly for almost three years before suddenly losing 2% of its brightness. The star's unusual behavior has sparked speculation about comets, alien megastructures, or planetary collisions, but the new findings will make it harder to explain.
Research reveals that 56% of people aged 90 and above with Alzheimer's disease rely on antipsychotics and antidepressants, highlighting the need for regular assessment of drug use in older adults. In contrast, those without Alzheimer's disease used these medications less frequently.
UAB researchers found that removing transcriptional bookmarks can improve reprogramming of human fibroblasts to create induced pluripotent stem cells. This process may increase the yield and quality of iPS cells, essential for patient-specific cell-replacement therapies.
A recent study found that genomic imprinting, a process silencing one set of parental genes, can be regulated in adult tissues. The researchers observed variation in epigenetic marks between cell types, indicating a need for fine-tuned gene expression in different tissues throughout development and adulthood.
Typhoon Chaba intensified into a super typhoon, with extremely heavy precipitation and towering storm tops. NASA satellites used GPM data to track its movement and formation, which was influenced by warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear.
A three-year, $3.3 million collaboration will study methods of predicting and avoiding disruptions on KSTAR, a long-pulse tokamak. The research aims to develop techniques for characterizing, forecasting, and avoiding events that can halt fusion reactions and damage tokamaks.
Agroforestry practices such as alley cropping, silvopasture, and forest farming offer benefits for conventional and organic agroecosystems. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, farmers can sequester carbon, prevent soil erosion, and increase crop yields.
Researchers discovered a rare enzyme called 5NAA-A in bacteria Bradyrhizobium sp. JS329 that breaks down the toxic compound 5-NAA, rendering it harmless to potatoes. This mechanism could inspire future work to engineer an enzyme or bacterium to detoxify thaxtomin.
Researchers found that delivering higher doses of radiation over a shortened period was safe and associated with lower costs for patients with favorable-risk prostate cancer. The hypofractionated radiation therapy schedule demonstrated comparable quality of life outcomes to conventional radiation therapy.
Researchers found nearly all common obesity-related genes lack properties that suggest an evolutionary advantage, contradicting the 'thrifty gene' hypothesis. The study's results suggest a more complex evolution of human health and disease.
Boston University researchers have identified a new strategy to treat colon cancers driven by the mutant KRAS gene. The study found that inhibiting MEK and TAK1 genes suppresses the growth of these cancer cells, providing a potential avenue for precision medicine.
A new study developed a mixed metal catalyst that enables both charge and discharge reactions in lithium-air batteries, overcoming key barriers to their development. This breakthrough offers opportunities for future research and potential applications in sustainable energy storage.
The osteotome technique provides a gentle method for immediate dental implant placement, retaining total bone mass and improving its quality. This technique also allows for increased tactile sensitivity, minimally invasive procedures, and faster prosthetic restoration.
Researchers analyzed costs and benefits of controlling giant hogweed in Germany to inform policymakers. They found that eradication strategies depend on period length and can have significant societal impacts. The study provides a guideline for assessing invasive species control in European countries.
The Pitt team has received a $2.5 million contract from the US Department of Defense to further develop a retrievable stent for treating life-threatening hemorrhages in servicemen and civilian gunshot victims. The device can be rapidly placed by non-vascular physicians with minimal training, simplifying treatment in emergency situations.
A new study found that most ARDS survivors experience physical decline in the five years after hospital discharge. Older age and pre-existing illnesses are key risk factors for this decline. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted post-hospital therapy to support these high-risk patients.
A new University of Washington study finds a trend toward earlier sea ice melt in the spring and later ice growth in the fall across all 19 polar bear populations. The analysis shows that critical timing of sea ice break-up and freeze-up is changing in a direction harmful for polar bears.
A recent study found that nearly a third of Medicare patients with chronic myeloid leukemia did not start treatment within six months due to high out-of-pocket costs. However, patients who had access to subsidies to cover drug costs started treatment 50 days sooner on average.
A study of 1329 adults with asthma found that active individuals had slightly less decline in lung function than inactive ones. Active asthmatic adults experienced 44 to 88 mL less decline in peak expiratory flow during follow-up.