A study found that rewards points encourage healthy food selection by appealing to future choices, leading to more salad sales and a returning customer base. Rewards points counteract impulsive desires for indulgent food, promoting long-term health goals.
Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Matthew has been detected by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission, with rates reaching over 6.4 inches per hour in some areas. The storm is expected to cause devastating torrential rainfall as it moves slowly over Haiti.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that mice with toys and stimulating environments have healthier immune systems. The research discovered changes in T cells, which are essential for immunity and involved in chronic diseases like HIV and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found that inhibiting glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) restores sensitivity to tamoxifen in resistant breast cancer. Silencing GRP78 toxically stresses breast cancer cells, leading to cell death. Adding tamoxifen to a GRP78 inhibitor offers an effective combination, enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.
Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute researchers collaborate with DoD and VA to study cardiac progenitor cells for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a condition affecting millions. The clinical trial aims to improve symptoms and treatment options for patients.
The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience has received a grant from NIMH to develop transgenic and gene-targeted Syrian hamsters for understanding complex social behavior. The technology will enable molecular interrogation of genes regulating social behavior, leading to progress toward better understanding of psychiatric disorders.
The University of Arizona College of Engineering has received a $1.07 million diversity grant from the NSF Bridge to the Doctorate Program. The grant will provide tuition and fellowships for 12 underrepresented minority students pursuing PhDs in STEM fields.
Scientists at CNIO deconstructed alternative splicing as a source of protein production, finding it secondary to gene dominance. The study reveals that most human genes produce a single dominant protein, calling for rethinking biological innovation.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that adding microbes to plants increases their tolerance to drought. The microbes enhance plant growth, reduce water usage, and promote nutrient accumulation, allowing plants to store more water and survive longer under stress.
Researchers have compiled a 30-year data set to construct the first ice core-based record of atmospheric oxygen concentrations spanning 800,000 years. The study shows that atmospheric oxygen has declined by 0.7 percent relative to current concentrations, primarily due to fossil fuel burning.
Researchers construct networks of organelle functional modules in Arabidopsis using a soft thresholding approach. The algorithm identifies strongly co-expressed genes and links them to infer the function of unknown genes.
Researchers have observed a unique phenomenon in perovskite oxides, where they oscillate when exposed to water vapor and electron beams, generating oxygen gas. The exact frequency of the oscillations can be precisely tuned, which could have practical applications for battery development and water-splitting devices.
A recent study found that cure rates for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Europe are higher than expected, with 61% of patients cured. The study proposes new definitions for 'cure' and 'failure', which may lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Physicists devise a method to control optical solitons in microresonators, allowing for stable pulse generation and spectral comb formation. This enables precise measurement of optical frequencies, including those in the radio wave range.
Researchers used electron microscopy to capture the first three-dimensional image of a myosin filament in a Thai water bug. This discovery sheds light on how mutations in myosin can cause cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. The study provides new insights into muscle contraction and relaxation.
A new review found that certain alternative therapies, such as probiotics and fiber, are effective in treating IBS symptoms. Patients with functional constipation and ulcerative colitis may also benefit from synbiotics and Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917.
A study by NRG Oncology found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is safe and effective for medically inoperable patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly when using higher dose levels. The trial demonstrated comparable local control and outcomes data to SBRT results in peripherally located early stage ...
Researchers have created a fabric material capable of degrading chemical warfare agents (CWAs), rendering them harmless. The unique 'nano-kebab' structure, formed by metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on nanofibers, breaks down CWAs with half-lives as brief as 2.3 minutes.
Research from the University of Exeter found that physical activity in natural environments provides health benefits worth £2.2 billion annually to the English adult population. Over 1.3 billion green exercise visits occur each year, with examples including dog walking and outdoor swimming.
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from dogs with and without IBD, discovering a pattern of microbes indicative of the disease. The team used 16S rRNA sequencing to predict IBD diagnosis in dogs with high accuracy.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a new molecular mechanism by which the brain forms memories, involving the growth of neural connections. The study's findings may lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases such as epilepsy.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study suggests that prion proteins can help yeast survive hard times and pass advantageous traits down to their offspring. The researchers found that protein-based inheritance is more widespread than previously believed and could play a role in evolution.
A pooled analysis of NRG Oncology studies RTOG 0129 and 0522 found that IMRT significantly reduced xerostomia and feeding tube dependency in head and neck cancer patients, especially those with oropharyngeal cancer. However, IMRT was associated with increased acute mucositis and dysphagia.
A study by London researchers found that standard radiation margins may not be large enough for all patients with non-melanotic skin cancer. Using protoporphyrin fluorescence, the team was able to determine more precise treatment volumes, resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced recurrence rates.
Researchers have discovered a direct association between strain OC43 of the human coronavirus and neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and encephalitis. This breakthrough paves the way for targeted therapies that can address specific patient conditions.
A new study at Duke University reveals that applying a tiny force to the Piezo1 receptor can change its behavior while it's already activated. The researchers used magnetic fields and nanometer-sized beads to manipulate the protein, which sits on cell membranes and plays a crucial role in sensing forces surrounding cells.
Researchers used computer simulations to study the formation of superoxides, a type of free radical that can damage cells and contribute to aging. The study found that an oxygen molecule can penetrate specific locations in proteins, leading to the formation of superoxides.
Rice University scientists use computer simulations to model the energy landscape of amyloid beta protein aggregation, a key step in Alzheimer's disease progression. The research predicts that specific sequences on protein molecules interact to form toxic oligomers.
A new study by University of Illinois professor Carlos J. Torelli found that younger, more educated Chinese consumers tend to favor phonosemantic brand translations, which integrate both sound and meaning into a product's name. This approach signals cultural sensitivity and respect for the local culture.
Researchers at UB and Johns Hopkins University discovered glutamate's crucial role in neuromuscular development, contradicting long-held assumptions. Glutamate receptors activate muscle fibers, while NMDA receptors play a key role in brain development and learning.
A new study found that letters of recommendation for women in STEM fields are less likely to portray them as outstanding candidates compared to men. The study analyzed 1,224 letters from over 500 institutions worldwide and found that women were only half as likely to receive excellent recommendations.
Patients waiting for a liver transplant exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior, with an average of 75.9% spent in sedentary activities, according to researchers. Clinicians' assessments often fail to accurately reflect patients' actual physical performance, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive evaluations.
A new study found that working memory dysfunctions and depression are predictors of non-adherence to oral cancer therapies. The research highlights the importance of assessing cognitive functions before initiating treatment to identify patient profiles at risk of non-adherence.
Research by RMIT Professor Lewi Stone suggests that complex systems are likely to be fragile despite their diversity. The study revisited classic theories on stability in complex systems, finding that simplicity can govern the behavior of these networks. This challenges the long-held assumption that complexity leads to instability.
Researchers at UTA have discovered a method to deactivate caspase-3 enzymes by removing water molecules, which could lead to the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases like arthritis. This breakthrough, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a database of caspase-3 variants with varying le...
A meta-analysis of 58 studies and 19,000 participants found that identifying with the workplace is associated with improved health and lower burnout. The study suggests that a sense of belonging and community in the workplace is key to better psychological and physiological health.
A big data analysis of over a million cattle and 50,000 badgers found that cattle are primarily infected through other cattle, not badgers. This challenges the long-held assumption that badgers play a key role in spreading TB to cattle.
NRG-RTOG 0232 study found no significant difference in 5-year progression-free survival between external beam radiation therapy plus brachytherapy and brachytherapy alone. The treatment combination also resulted in fewer late genitourinary effects, mostly noted in the brachytherapy only arm.
Researchers discovered cane toads can respond to mating calls up to 120m away, bringing in more potential mates than other species. Female cane toads are less responsive, requiring closer proximity to discern complex details about potential partners.
Columbia scientists have developed a mathematical model that explains how the human brain lays down new memories without wiping out old ones. The model, which describes synapses as systems with multiple dials, increases storage capacity by an enormous factor and provides a framework for future studies of memory.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed two successful Zika vaccines that protect against neurological damage in newborn mice. The microneedle array vaccine showed significant protection, while the adenovirus-based vaccine was used as a proof-of-principle vaccine to test the envelope protein antigen.
A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience suggests that oxytocin may support spiritual beliefs by enhancing feelings of awe, gratitude, and hope. Men who received oxytocin reported a stronger sense of spirituality and interconnectedness with others, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Researchers developed a checklist to measure respect and dignity in ICUs, identifying differences between ICU types with distinct patient populations. The study found significant correlations between clinician behavior and patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of respectful care.
A two-year study of over 37,800 live births in Zambia found that chlorhexidine washes did not reduce neonatal mortality, contradicting previous results in south Asia. The study suggests that the treatment may not be effective in lower mortality settings with more facility-based deliveries.
Researchers found IDH gene mutations to be independently prognostic of overall and progression-free survival in grade II and III gliomas. CIC mutations also showed promise as prognostic markers, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified two leukemia-targeting drugs that could be used to treat breast and ovarian cancers by inhibiting HDACs. The study's genetically engineered cell line, BPLER, exhibited key traits associated with cancer stem cells and showed long-lasting effects of the inhibitors.
Researchers discovered a well-preserved Bronze Age warrior's tomb in Greece containing over 2,000 objects, including four golden signet rings featuring Minoan iconography. The findings suggest cultural sharing between the ancient civilizations, challenging the theory of mere plunder.
Researchers studied axolotl embryos and found unusual bursts in gene expression that could aid understanding of limb regeneration. This knowledge may lead to new insights into human regenerative medicine and the development of therapies.
A new analysis reveals a substantial increase in US liver-related hospitalizations for cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), resulting in significant economic burdens. Hospitalization rates nearly doubled, with inpatient costs rising twofold for cirrhosis and fivefold for ACLF.
Researchers develop a system to selectively destroy undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) using a special dye and light. This approach reduces the risk of teratomas, allowing for safer transplantation and potential treatments for various diseases.
Associate professor Chris Packham will use a $387,214 NSF grant to observe local galaxies and understand the nature of their central black holes. The project aims to uncover how these supermassive black holes influence galaxy formation.
Researchers found that administering spermidine can prevent age-induced memory impairment by stopping synapses from narrowing their operational space. This study provides a new lead for treating age-associated dementia.
A new IU study shows that rats exhibit much stronger episodic memory than previously believed, remembering up to 30 events in context. This finding has implications for research on human diseases affecting memory, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new website developed at Duke University, iCheck, lets visitors evaluate claims about congressional voting records more critically. The site integrates data from multiple sources and allows users to explore how claims hold up under different parameters.
A new study found that children with disabilities are more likely to respond aggressively when bullied, leading to negative mental health outcomes. Teaching proper bully-response skills is crucial to prevent such aggressive behavior and improve psychosocial outcomes for these students.
A new large-scale analysis found that logged forests in Central Africa may contain nearly twice as much deadwood as unlogged forests, and up to 3.8 times more than previous estimates. This underestimation has broad implications for regional forestry practices and global carbon emissions.
GuidaBot is developing a robotic system that enables doctors to perform biopsies while the patient remains within an MRI machine, allowing for faster and more precise procedures. The company has received a $225,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support ongoing research and testing of prototype systems.
A study led by Georgia State University found that incorporating laughter into a physical activity program can improve the mental health, aerobic endurance, and confidence of older adults. The LaughActive program, which includes playful simulated laughter exercises, also increases motivation to participate in exercise.
Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and grapes, has been shown to reduce inflammation induced by bacterial pathogens that cause respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. The study identified a novel mechanism by which resveratrol suppresses inflammation by upregulating a negative regulator called MyD88 short.
A PolyU study reveals that running in minimalist shoes can significantly increase leg and foot muscle volume. The experimental group showed a 7.05% increase in extrinsic foot muscles and an 8.8% increase in intrinsic foot muscles compared to the control group.