A recent study from Brigham Young University reveals that preschoolers exposed to Disney Princess culture are more susceptible to limiting female gender-stereotypical behavior, which can be detrimental in the long term. However, the study also suggests that princesses can provide a counterbalance to hyper-masculine media for boys.
US research suggests that moms who don't use fertility treatment are more likely to have twins with birth defects. The study found associations between twinning and birth defects, particularly in mothers of identical twins and those using fertility treatment.
A study by UNC researchers found that vaping e-cigarettes alters dozens of genes essential for upper airway immune defense, similar to cigarette smoking. This discovery suggests that inhaling flavored liquids in e-cigarettes has consequences on epithelial cell gene expression, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory problems.
Researchers have developed a method using tiny alpaca-derived nanobodies to identify and target specific proteins involved in viral infections. By using these molecules to perturb cellular processes, scientists can tease apart the roles individual proteins play in disease, leading to potential new treatments for infectious diseases.
A systematic review of 40 studies found a weak correlation between signs, symptoms, and testosterone levels in ageing men. The authors suggest that it is difficult to extrapolate the diagnosis of pathologic hypogonadism from younger men to older men with age-related testosterone declines.
A London bee tracking project has begun, releasing 500 tagged bees to study their behavior and interactions with flowers in urban gardens. The project aims to understand the bees' preferred patches and favourite flowers, rewarding participants with prizes for identifying the most flowers visited by individual bees.
The study uses data from cameras and smartpens to track students' actions while watching instructional videos. Researchers identified four archetypes of problem-solving methods, which could help coaches identify successful approaches and provide targeted support.
Researchers at Rice University have synthesized a new cancer-fighting compound called Thailanstatin A, which targets the spliceosome, a complex of proteins and ribonucleoproteins that regulate DNA splicing. The compound has shown promise in preclinical studies and could potentially be used to develop new therapies for cancer.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that adolescents are more receptive to rewards than punishments of equal value. The researchers suggest using positive reinforcement methods in education and parenting to encourage desired behavior, as reward-based systems may be more effective for this age group.
Researchers identified denosumab as a potential non-surgical option to prevent breast cancer in women with elevated genetic risk. The study showed that the drug switched off cell growth and curtailed breast cancer development in laboratory models.
A team of researchers has engineered a DNA nanowire with alternating guanine bases to facilitate long-range wave-like electronic motions. This breakthrough may lead to the development of stable, efficient, and tunable DNA nanoscale devices.
Adolescents outperform adults in choosing rewards but struggle with punishment, leading to the development of a new model for learning during adolescence. The study suggests that incentive systems based on reward rather than punishment may be more effective for this age group.
The study analyzed 1,297 invasive insect pests on 124 countries, finding the US, China, India, and Brazil to be the highest potential cost impacters. Smaller developing countries like those in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately vulnerable due to their reliance on agriculture.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed individual profiles of allergy reactivity in patients who are not protected after immunotherapy. They created artificial allergens that perfectly mimic the allergens in insect venom, which can be used to improve medical treatment for people allergic to insect stings.
The study provides a roadmap for targeting ZIP4, which is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and plays a critical role in zinc transport, offering new hope for treating diseases like acrodermitis enteropathica and pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have discovered new drugs that can break resistance to Gab2 in CML cells, a type of blood cancer. The study found that sorafenib and axitinib are effective in treating CML model systems, providing potential alternatives for patients who have developed resistance to existing medications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new blood test to measure levels of hematoma-derived growth factor (HDGF), which rise predict survival in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Higher levels of HDGF are linked to more extensive heart failure and poorer outcomes.
NASA and NOAA satellites detected Tropical Depression 4 developing into Tropical Storm Danielle off the Mexican coast. The storm strengthened into a tropical cyclone on June 20, bringing heavy rain to eastern Mexico.
A mouse study reveals that skin grafts between mice treated with antibiotics before transplantation survive roughly twice as long. The team also found that changing the composition of microbiota affects organ transplants, suggesting a new strategy to improve transplant outcomes in humans.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a previously unrecognized enzyme, MLCK4, that could optimize contraction and prevent heart failure. The study provides the first three-dimensional structure for any member of the MLCK family and sheds light on the optimal phosphorylation level for normal heart function.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pennsylvania found that online food ordering reduced calorie counts by about 10 percent when menus used traffic light color-coded labels, numeric labels, or a combination of both. The study suggests that clearer information helps consumers make healthier choices.
The study found a significant increase in Parkinson's disease incidence, particularly among men aged 70 and older. Environmental and lifestyle factors may contribute to this trend, warranting further research to identify potential causes.
Researchers used high-resolution connectivity maps and satellite imagery to predict how future land-use change and climate change will alter landscape connectivity for six species, including black bear and red wolf. The study highlights the urgent need to protect and restore habitats to promote species survival.
A new computer processor designed specifically for robotic motion planning can plan movements up to 10,000 times faster than existing approaches while using significantly less power. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize robotics and automation in manufacturing environments.
The Zika virus outbreak has highlighted the need for new paradigms in child health, requiring mobilization by pediatricians and healthcare providers to address the growing number of cases. The article suggests revisiting the response to HIV/AIDS 30 years ago to inform a new approach.
A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that surgery to remove a cancerous kidney can lengthen the lives of patients receiving targeted therapy for metastatic kidney cancer. Patients who undergo the procedure survive for a median period of 17.1 months, compared to 7.7 months for those who don't receive the surgery.
Researchers in South Korea have developed ultra-thin photovoltaics with a record-breaking flexibility, allowing them to wrap around small objects. The new method uses transfer printing instead of etching and produces flexible solar cells with a smaller amount of materials.
A new study suggests that China can increase its use of wind power, but not in the most resource-rich areas. The country should focus on integrating wind into existing grids for a substantial gain in renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed an innovative nanoplatform to deliver RNAi agents to tumor sites, suppressing growth and reducing metastasis in preclinical models of anaplastic thyroid cancer. The platform, called theranostic, brings therapy and diagnosis together in one functional nanoparticle.
A study by CHOP researchers found gaps in knowledge and communication about ASD treatment choices, leading to difficulties in sharing treatment decisions. The authors suggest using tools like decision aids and practice guidelines to foster effective communication between families and pediatricians.
Researchers have designed a self-assembling icosahedral protein nano-cage with a large internal volume, capable of holding more cargo than previously designed nano-cages. The cage's reversible property allows it to disassemble and reassemble under certain conditions.
Researchers have developed a new brute force technique to test thousands of biochemical reactions at once, allowing them to quickly find optimal conditions. This breakthrough enables faster development of diagnostic tests and sheds light on molecular behavior in test tube conditions.
A recent botanical survey in Angola's Kumbira forest revealed impressive numbers of vascular plants, including new records for the country and potential new species. The study highlights the importance of preserving the region's biodiversity due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and invasive species.
A study investigates the feasibility of producing autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) by combining MSWI bottom ash with CFBC fly ash, significantly reducing material costs. The researchers found that satisfactory properties can be achieved using this combination without additional additives.
A team of Tokyo Tech and UEC researchers developed a luciferin analog, AkaLumine-HCl, that produces near-infrared bioluminescence with improved tissue-penetration efficiency. This allows for highly sensitive deep-tissue imaging in animal experiments, including lung cancer models.
A new study from Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business reveals that highly innovative individuals can be committed to both their organizations and professions, especially when they understand their role in the organization's success. The study suggests design policies and procedures that support creative work styles and empha...
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new image segmentation technique that improves object identification and separation in images. The technique, called Consensus-Based Image Segmentation via Topological Persistence, aggregates data from multiple algorithms to create a new version of the image.
Research by Thomas Willnow found that SORLA regulates insulin signaling, leading to increased fat accumulation and obesity in mice. Reducing SORLA levels protected against diet-induced obesity.
A recent analysis found that approximately 43% of the UK population, around 28 million adults, suffer from chronic pain. The prevalence is expected to rise as the population ages, with older individuals being more likely to experience long-term pain. Women are also more likely to be affected by chronic pain than men.
A study investigated risk factors for progressive kyphosis after a thoracolumbar spine injury. The authors analyzed X-rays of patients with traumatic spinal fractures to determine the relationship between fracture type, patient characteristics (AO classification, age, gender, and localization), and post-traumatic kyphosis.
A team of Caltech-led researchers has discovered the youngest fully-formed exoplanet ever detected, K2-33b, which orbits a young star at 5 to 10 million years old. The planet's proximity to its star and large size suggest it may have formed quickly or challenged the migration theory.
In early mammals, rods in the mammalian eye developed from color-detecting cone cells, giving them an edge in low-light conditions. This evolution allowed early mammals to take up a nocturnal lifestyle and survive as predators were dominant during the day.
Biologists from UNIGE reveal a mechanism of resistance to the anti-estrogenic drug tamoxifen, identifying eight factors that enable breast cancer cells to become refractory to treatment. The researchers suggest various approaches for developing new therapies targeting these factors.
Researchers at Rice University developed RedEye, a technology that can provide computers with continuous vision, enabling wearables to see and remember what their owners need. By analyzing analog signals in real-time, RedEye improves energy efficiency and presents unique privacy advantages.
Long-term statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic heart disease who have moderate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but not those with high LDL-C levels. The study suggests that a blanket principle of lower LDL-C being better for all patients may not apply.
A large observational study found that university-educated individuals are more likely to develop certain types of brain tumors, including gliomas and meningiomas. Men with higher education were 19% more likely to develop glioma, while women were 23% more likely.
CropQuant uses Raspberry Pi computers to control infield cameras capturing crop growth images, then analyzes data on high-performance computers to link environmental data with crop traits. This enables scientists to reduce farming costs and improve crop yields through field-based phenotyping methods.
Researchers at McMaster University found that physical activity can retain, repair, and regenerate damaged muscle in the elderly. After eight weeks of exercise, old mice were able to repair and rebuild muscle more quickly following injury compared to non-exercise groups.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa used a statistical technique to extract large-scale vertical motions of the local crust from GPS data. The study found nearly 125 mile-wide lobes of uplift and subsidence straddling the fault system.
NOAA forecasts widespread coral bleaching in US and global waters due to rising sea temperatures, with Hawaii, Florida Keys, and Pacific island nations at highest risk. The agency is working with communities and conservationists to enhance reef resilience and reduce local stressors.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that water molecules play a crucial role in controlling protein motion. The study reveals that proteins rely on water to fold and function correctly, with water molecules modulating protein fluctuations at ultrafast time scales.
A phase II clinical trial showed that GEN-003 immunotherapy significantly reduces genital herpes virus activity and recurrent outbreaks, lasting up to a year after treatment. This new approach may provide relief similar to daily antiviral medications but with improved convenience.
NERSC is optimizing 20 leading science applications for the new Cori system, set to arrive in July. The system will feature Intel's Xeon Phi Knights Landing processor, with optimizations focusing on thread scaling, vector parallelism and on-chip MCDRAM.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute used a mathematical model to show that tumor cells on the edge and interior develop distinct characteristics, investing resources in survival or invasion, respectively.
A study found that physicians who received pharmaceutical industry-sponsored meals were more likely to prescribe certain brand-name drugs, with the rate increasing with the number and cost of meals. The study highlights concerns about the potential influence of industry payments on prescribing patterns.
USC scientists have created a comprehensive map of the dorsal striatum, a part of the brain responsible for motor learning and coordination. The study identifies 29 distinct areas and hubs that coordinate complex limb movements, potentially leading to new treatments for autism and Huntington's disease.
A study by WCS and University of Queensland found that countries most in need of conservation are not investing enough, despite being home to most of the Earth's biodiversity. The researchers recommend adopting culturally-appropriate conservation efforts to promote economic development and wealth before acting on conservation.
According to the National Gay Men's Sex Survey, more gay and bisexual men than ever are getting tested for HIV. However, one in four have never had an HIV test, and many are unsure of their status. The survey also found that condom use remains a concern, with one-in-three sexually active gay men having unprotected anal sex with non-ste...
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a new fluorescence probe to visualize the motions of Hsp90, an essential chaperone that assists numerous proteins. The technique reveals synchronized structural changes within the protein, shedding light on its healing powers and potential connection to diseases.
A mobile app improved knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation among Ethiopian healthcare workers, but did not significantly reduce perinatal mortality. The app trained workers on managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies through animated videos and local language voiceovers.