A study found that Neandertals ate mainly meat in open environments and supplemented with plants, whereas modern humans retained a large proportion of plant-based foods. This difference may have given modern humans an advantage over Neandertals.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study finds that persistent inflammation in COPD may result from a defect in the immune system allowing airway bacteria to invade deeper into the lungs. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug halted lung damage in mice with this defect.
A team of scientists from FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute developed a novel sensing approach using an ocean drone to listen to groupers' mating calls. The study helps inform fisheries managers where protective measures are necessary to protect overfished grouper species.
Scientists at McMaster University have made a breakthrough in understanding the regulation of human blood stem cells, allowing for better control and regeneration. The discovery could lead to more people receiving treatment for life-threatening diseases, reducing healthcare costs and wait times.
A recent study published in The British Medical Journal found that deprived patients and those admitted at weekends are least likely to receive the recommended total hip replacement surgery. Despite national guidelines setting out who should get the procedure, substantial variation in compliance between hospitals was observed.
A study by Dr Martin Graff of the University of South Wales found that sensitive and less emotionally intelligent individuals are more likely to be targeted in online dating scams. The victims tend to be efficient, organised, and disciplined but also more emotionally expressive.
A study by Lauren Bussey and colleagues found that rosemary essential oil significantly improved prospective memory in people over 65. Additionally, the scent increased alertness in this age group. The results support previous research on the cognitive benefits of rosemary aroma in healthy adults.
Researchers studied Parkinson's-affected cells before symptoms appear, finding declines in dopamine neuron function and electrical activity. The study aims to understand the root cause of the disease and develop a therapy to arrest its progression.
Researchers found that male peacocks vibrate their feathers at resonance, which enhances the vibrational amplitude and suggests energetically efficient displays. The iridescent eyespots stay stationary during displays due to locked barbs, keeping them in place as loose barbs shimmer in the background.
A study found that workers who had good relationships with their bosses carried that goodwill into their new jobs, leading to important benefits for their former workplaces. Good relationships with bosses can also make ex-employees valuable ambassadors and future customers.
University of Bonn researchers have discovered a new method to measure the activity of energy-consuming brown fat cells in humans and mice. They found that microRNA-92a can be used as an indirect measure of brown fat cell activity, with a small blood sample sufficient for analysis.
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have created a superfast light source using an artificial atom called a quantum dot. The innovation increases the interaction between light and matter, resulting in faster electron decay and more efficient light emission.
Stanley Fahn, a pioneer in the field of movement disorders, will receive the 2016 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Parkinson's Disease Research. He has made significant contributions to the development of rating scales for Parkinson's and other diseases.
A new study maps the human brain's semantic atlas, revealing how different areas respond to words with similar meanings. This discovery holds promise for decoding inner dialogue in individuals who struggle to communicate, such as stroke or ALS patients.
A new quantitative assessment called Walk-DMC predicts which children with cerebral palsy are likely to benefit from invasive surgeries. Higher Walk-DMC scores before treatment correlate with better surgical outcomes.
A novel wavelet variational model is proposed to segment ultrasound videos efficiently, tackling low contrast, shadow effects, and complex noise statistics. The model achieves accurate ROI tracking with robustness and flexibility, making it suitable for real-time clinical applications.
A recent study found that drivers who felt a strong social connection with their car's virtual voice crashed more during a simulator test. The researchers suggest that the development of autonomous and quasi-autonomous cars should consider the impact of voices on driver safety.
E-cigarettes offer potential to radically reduce harm from smoking in UK society, with benefits found at individual and population levels. The Royal College of Physicians report finds that e-cigarette use is primarily among smokers seeking to cut down or quit, and no grounds to suspect renormalization of smoking habits.
Researchers from RMIT University and NSW Department of Primary Industries define processing conditions that increase micronutrient retention in white rice. Soaking in water at 90°C followed by steaming proves most effective for retaining nutrients, with potential to address iron deficiency and malnutrition worldwide.
A study of 18,000 UK residents found that individuals who have just moved house are significantly less likely to travel to work by car. Environmental attitudes also played a role in this change in behavior, with people adopting greener modes of transport after moving.
A Duke University study finds that framing climate change as a win-win issue can exacerbate opposition and trigger a significant negative effect among polarized audiences. Messages that conflict with audience's partisan identity fail to sway skeptics and instead make them more opposed to governmental action on the issue.
A study published in PLOS ONE identifies distinct patterns of seasonal influenza activity in the tropics and subtropics, grouping countries into eight geographical zones. These zones can inform targeted flu vaccination programs, providing valuable insights into optimal delivery timing and vaccine formulation.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) experience long-term sleep disturbances, despite not being aware of it. Researchers discovered that 67% of those with TBI suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness compared to 19% of healthy individuals.
A meta-analysis of nine randomized trials found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an effective treatment option for preventing major depression relapse. Participants who received MBCT had a 31% lower risk of relapse compared to those who did not receive the therapy.
A study published in JAMA Surgery identifies the top 7 emergency general surgery (EGS) procedures that account for most complications, deaths, and costs. These procedures include partial colectomy, small-bowel resection, and laparotomy, which collectively accounted for 80% of EGS frequency, mortality, and hospital costs nationwide.
A recent study investigated consumer attitudes towards brain-training apps, finding that over two-thirds reported improved thinking, memory, and attention. However, cost was the primary barrier to their use, highlighting a need for evidence-based apps. Strong positive expectations about app effectiveness may also drive user behavior.
Researchers have developed zinc-oxide nanoparticles that can prevent the herpes simplex virus from entering cells and stimulate natural immunity to develop. The particles, called ZOTEN, work by attracting the virus and allowing immune cells to process it.
Researchers at University of Montreal developed programmable DNA thermometers that can measure temperature at the nanoscale. The smallest thermometer is 5 nm-wide and produces an easily detectable signal as a function of temperature.
A new study from Oregon State University found that healthy adults who retired one year past age 65 had an 11 percent lower risk of death from all causes, even when taking into account demographic and lifestyle factors. Working a year longer also had a positive impact on the mortality rate for unhealthy retirees.
A handheld instrument has been developed to detect the Ebola virus quickly and efficiently, allowing for faster treatment and real-time monitoring of viral loads. The device can process four samples simultaneously and produces results in under 37 minutes, significantly reducing the testing time required by conventional methods.
A 500,000-year-old human femur discovered in Morocco shows evidence of being consumed by large carnivores like hyenas. The bone fragment featured fractures and tooth marks, suggesting carnivore chewing, which was likely made shortly after death.
A study of over 300,000 individuals suggests that cholesterol levels are similar whether patients fast or not. This new guideline eliminates the need for fasting before cholesterol testing, benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher has used an experimental drug to reverse damage from the mutation that causes fragile X syndrome in mice. The treatment, Nutlin-3, blocks a chain reaction that leads to memory deficits and neural stem cell formation issues.
A new model of care for patients with low-risk prostate cancer has been tested, improving patient outcomes by increasing surveillance rates among very low-risk patients. The evidence-based approach uses best practices to select and follow patients, enhancing acceptance and use of active surveillance disease management.
A new report argues that landscape ecologists can inform policy decisions on managing global change. The field offers unique insights into combining urban planning and landscape ecology to create sustainable land-use policies. Collaborative efforts between landscape ecologists and policymakers are underway to protect sensitive ecosystems.
New research suggests that even small amounts of air pollution may have long-term health effects on the developing fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and lifelong neurological and respiratory disorders. The study found biological evidence of intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution.
A meta-analysis of nine published randomized trials found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was associated with a reduced risk of depressive relapse/recurrence over 60 weeks. The treatment effect appeared to be larger in patients with higher levels of depression symptoms at baseline.
Certain scalp-pulling hairstyles, such as tight ponytails and braids, are associated with traction alopecia in African-American women. Moderate-risk styles include thermal straightening, permanent waving, and wig use, while low-risk styles include loose buns and natural styles that avoid chemicals.
Five Harvard research projects have received sustaining funding through the Physical Sciences & Engineering Accelerator, which aims to bridge the 'chasm of death' between discovery and product development. The funded projects include a shell scripting language for improved security, a pattern-detection algorithm for enhanced drug evalu...
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that women are significantly less likely to stick to cardiac rehabilitation programs than men. Despite women-specific clinical practice guideline recommendations, women face unique barriers, including lack of access and tailored advice.
A faith-based health promotion program, Abuelas en Acción, successfully motivated older Latinas to adopt healthier lifestyles by integrating spiritual and family values. Participants showed significant improvements in physical activity, nutrition, and stress management.
A team at the University of New South Wales has achieved the world's highest efficiency rating for a full-sized thin-film solar cell using CZTS technology. The innovation uses abundant materials and is non-toxic, making it suitable for widespread use in buildings.
A new study led by NCAR finds that widespread ocean oxygen loss due to climate change will be detectable between 2030 and 2040, posing a threat to marine life. The research uses climate simulations to distinguish between natural variability and deoxygenation caused by climate change.
Researchers Warren Savary and Rob Bryson have discovered a new species of scorpion in the Sierra Nevada foothills, related to several previously described species from California. The discovery highlights the state's vast and underexplored biodiversity, with many scorpion species remaining to be described.
A team of scientists from the Scripps Research Institute is studying the role of microRNAs in memory, sleep and synapse function. The five-year study will use Drosophila fruit flies to answer key questions about microRNA mechanisms in the brain.
The James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror is the largest yet sent into space, made of 18 beryllium segments coated with a thin layer of gold. The telescope will study the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets similar to Earth, as well as the evolution of our own solar system.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that sedentary behavior is associated with increased amounts of calcium deposits in heart arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart attack. Reducing daily sitting time by 1-2 hours can have a significant positive impact on future cardiovascular health.
Researchers exposed small worms to artificial climate change, finding that a half-degree warmer soil caused rapid genome changes. The study provides insight into evolution's ability to adapt to climate change, suggesting it may be more resilient than previously thought.
A new study by Ann Owens found that neighborhood income segregation is driven by increased income inequality and school district options among families with children. This trend has significant implications for low-income families and their educational outcomes.
Breast cancer cells challenged with a small-molecule inhibitor targeting specific invasive properties switch to an alternative mode-of-action, rendering them even more aggressive. The results suggest that inhibiting one pathway may not block all aggressiveness in breast cancer cells.
A unique study of 60,000 refugee immigrants in Sweden found that living in high-deprivation neighborhoods significantly increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time. The study suggests a direct link between neighborhood deprivation and health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A new study from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that consumers earning moderate to high incomes are viewed as moral for purchasing ethical goods, while those on welfare are judged immoral. This disparity has implications for charitable organizations and the decisions made by individuals on financial aid.
According to a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, nearly 1 in 4 babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) received acid-suppressing medications from 2006 to 2013. While the number has decreased since then, concerns remain about the medication's potential risks and effectiveness.
Scientists have identified hundreds of infected cells at different points of initial entry and developed a technology that lights up the location of first cells to be infected. This discovery will enable researchers to develop more effective vaccines against HIV by targeting the primary target of transmission, Th17 cell.
Researchers have created a new machine-learning algorithm that reduces timing uncertainties in changing events by up to 300 times, allowing for more accurate dating and analysis of past events. The tool has applications in various fields, including geology, metrology, chemistry, biology, and astronomy.
Researchers found that serotonin shortens apnoeic events by interacting with the 5-HT3 receptor, which is highly expressed in healthy babies. This discovery may provide a new lead in understanding and treating SIDS and asphyxia., Serotonin's role in promoting inspiration and stopping apnea could be key to preventing these infant deaths.
Researchers from Oregon State University found that coal-tar based sealcoats contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be toxic to humans and wildlife. Asphalt-based sealcoats, on the other hand, were found to be significantly less toxic.
A one-week language course improves attention levels in students of all ages. Regular practice maintains these benefits. The study found that acquiring a new language enhances cognitive functions, particularly for older adults.
Scientists created a dissolvable device component using egg proteins, magnesium, and tungsten, outperforming non-degradable memristors. The components worked reliably for over three months under dry conditions but dissolved in hours in water.
Scientists at UC Riverside discovered a strain of beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria that has spread across California, forming tumor-like nodules on plant roots. The epidemic strains were found to be highly successful in the soil and in competition to infect plants, explaining their persistence and dominance.
Researchers use machine learning to analyze factors influencing patient recruitment, predicting acceptance rates of up to 72% compared to traditional methods. The algorithm analyzes objective and subjective factors, including demographics, attitudes towards medical research, and health conditions.
A new study by Northwestern Medicine reveals that low-income families spend 2.5 times more on emergency department and hospitalization costs for children with food allergies, highlighting a significant gap in preventive care and access to special foods and epinephrine auto-injectors.
The study details the transmission of Zika virus through mosquitoes and human-to-human contact, as well as its association with neurological disorders and birth defects. Researchers emphasize the need for antiviral agents and vaccines to combat the outbreak.
A team of researchers has built a chip that generates multiple frequencies from a robust quantum system producing time-bin entangled photons. This feature can enable multiplexed and multi-channel quantum communications and increased quantum computation information capacity.
Research finds that intact coral reef areas with extensive live coral cover harbor the greatest amount of genetic diversity, supporting targeted protection of reefs throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Genetic diversity varies across the region, highlighting the need for diverse conservation approaches.
Researchers discovered that rainwater can channel up the Alpine Fault and overwhelm contributions from mantle-derived fluids, focusing it onto the fault. This finding sheds light on the trigger mechanisms for major seismic events and has implications for understanding catastrophic earthquakes.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a detailed map of the California sea lion's brain, highlighting its unique somatosensory system. The study revealed specific areas in the brain responsible for processing touch information from whiskers and flippers, similar to those found in mice and humans.
A Polish Academy of Sciences team devised a chemical sensor to detect fungi in just a few minutes, reducing detection time from days to hours. The sensor uses D-arabitol, a compound indicating fungal presence, detected with high certainty even in the presence of interfering substances.
A recent study found that MOOC students are more engaged on Facebook groups than built-in course message boards and forums. The researchers suggest that social media tools can provide another communication channel for students, build a sense of community and trust, and offer better organization.
Katya Ravid, a Boston University professor, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar Award to conduct innovative interdisciplinary research in hematopoiesis and megakaryocte/platelet biomedical research in France. She will serve as an advisor to ongoing institutional programs at the University of Strasbourg and INSERM.
A Duke University study found high levels of contaminants in brine-laden wastewater from fracking spills, exceeding federal drinking water guidelines. Soil samples contained higher levels of radioactivity downstream from spill sites, suggesting radium builds up in the environment.
Biologists at the University of Iowa have identified a group of genes, gamma-protocadherins, that regulate dendrite growth in neurons. These genes must be an exact match for each neuron to correctly grow dendrites.
A cancer drug has improved learning and memory in mice with fragile X syndrome by coaxes neural stem cells to generate neurons critical for cognitive function. The treatment targets the MDM2 enzyme, which is overactive in FMRP-deficient cells, leading to enhanced proliferation but reduced differentiation.
Scientists have identified 91 novel microRNAs in the dog genome, which can help understand their role in regulating gene expression and potentially lead to breakthroughs in human diseases. The discovery provides a significant opportunity for future studies on biomedicine, evolution, and animal domestication.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth will investigate how changes in brain blood flow affect cognition in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). They will use fMRI to examine cerebral blood flow and neural metabolic rate, aiming to pinpoint the brain systems responsible for cognitive slowing in MS.
Scientists at MPFI have discovered a simple rule that explains how neural circuits combine information supplied by different types of cells in the retina to build a coherent representation of visual information. The discovery reveals that fine-scale retinal spatial information is preserved by OFF response regions, while ON response reg...
A new method combines structured expert judgment and probabilistic inversion to provide a single, consistent set of probabilities for future sea-level rise. This approach aims to address the lack of formality in evaluating climate model uncertainty, which can impact policy and preparedness.
A computer algorithm can recognize human emotions with high accuracy, transferring players' emotions to avatars or communicating with other players. The emotion detector system uses mathematical processing to analyze eyebrow position, eye openness, and mouth shape to correlate with basic human emotions.
New research from Cornell Food & Brand Lab highlights the importance of leveraging inside sources for real consumer insights. By utilizing experts such as sales associates or food service workers, researchers can gain unexpected and notable observations about target population behavior.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a computational model to discover new protein-protein interactions associated with schizophrenia. The study identified over 500 never-before-known PPIs, which could lead to greater understanding of the disease and its relation to other complex diseases.
QUT researchers are developing new technologies to turn sugarcane trash into renewable fuels for the sugar industry. The project aims to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels in sugarcane production, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that dexamethasone was effective in treating mild to moderate asthma in ER patients with only slightly higher relapse rates compared to a 5-day course of prednisone. The single-dose medication eliminates prescription adherence barriers such as forgetfulness and cost.
A new membrane inspired by cacti can improve fuel cell efficiency by up to four times in hot and dry conditions. This technology could transform the electric vehicle industry by reducing water management issues and increasing performance.
Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa can multiply within human fluids from burn wounds, leading to increased virulence factors. Exudates from burns contain immune molecules and enzymes that favor P. aeruginosa growth, making it difficult to treat infections.
Researchers developed a genetically encoded chemical 'block' that can be removed from kinases, enabling the investigation of their activity in both lab dishes and whole animals. This breakthrough allows for a better understanding of kinase roles in disease processes.
Hot melt extrusion (HME) and injection moulding (IM) are becoming increasingly prevalent in the pharmaceutical industry due to their ability to increase solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. HME-IM can manufacture a range of dosage forms, from oral tablets to implantable devices.
Scientists from ITMO University developed a new technique to create planar arrays of hybrid nanoantennas, enabling precise control over light manipulation at the nanoscale. The technology promises to increase data storage capacity and pave the way for high-throughput fabrication of optical nanodevices.
Researchers found that adding limonene accelerates cocoa butter crystallization at lower temperatures but inhibits it at higher temperatures. The study suggests using carefully chosen limonene concentrations and processing temperatures to achieve a smoother, more luxurious reduced-fat chocolate.
A study by Stephen Smith found that intellectual property protection encourages crop improvement, benefiting both breeders and society. The research linked optimal genetic innovation with increased economic welfare, health, and nutrition for consumers.
University of Illinois researchers have created a simple and scalable graphene patterning technique using stencil masks fabricated via a laser cutter. This approach enables rapid design iterations and pattern replications, promoting cleaner quality graphene patterns without polymeric transfer layers or organic solvents.
A study published in PLOS One found that men who view pornography featuring condom use are less likely to engage in condomless anal sex. The research suggests that sexually explicit media can encourage condom use and has important policy implications for the industry.
Recent research reveals that visual brain maps are dark-centric, with greater precision for darker stimuli. This dark-centric organization enables the brain to represent different positions of light spots as rotating around a dark anchor in visual space.
Researchers found that probiotics tighten gut permeability and dampen inflammatory signals that drive immune cells to break down bone. Probiotic supplements protected female mice from bone density loss after ovarian removal.
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory found that 3D printed foams have superior long-term stability and performance compared to traditional foams. The team used accelerated aging experiments and imaging techniques to study the properties of both types of materials.
Leading nutrition experts discuss the complexities of modern malnutrition, affecting vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and sick individuals. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explores various facets of malnutrition, including evidence-based practices, hospital malnutrition, and policy recommendations.
York University researchers have received a $1.7 million grant to develop a platform that rapidly determines detailed information about biologic drug candidates. The project aims to accelerate and improve the quality of pharmaceutical companies' drug discovery and development processes.
A new Canadian study finds that people recently released from correctional facilities have a risk of dying from a drug overdose 56 times greater than the general population. The life expectancy of this group is also significantly shorter, by 10.6 years for women and 4.2 years for men.
Two researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology suggest seven energy-intensive separation processes for low-energy purification technologies. These alternative processes could reduce energy use by $4 billion per year in the US, lower carbon dioxide emissions by 100 million tons, and open up new ways to obtain critical resources.
Researchers have found that single antibody infusions can protect monkeys against infection with an HIV-like virus for up to 23 weeks. The study used broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting a wide range of HIV strains and showed varying levels of protection depending on the antibody's potency and half-life.
A recent study found that veterans and their romantic partners who participated in an intensive retreat model showed a significant reduction in trauma symptoms. The retreat, which included therapeutic group and couple counseling, as well as relaxation activities, was effective in reducing both veteran and partner distress levels.
Researchers from Michigan State University and USGS have developed buoys that gather real-time data on water quality using statistical models. The technology provides instant feedback on water cleanliness, helping authorities make informed decisions about beach closures.
A consensus report from the International Osteoporosis Foundation Fracture Working Group recommends that patients with recent fractures should start osteoporosis medications as soon as possible. The panel agreed that anabolic agents like teriparatide may have a beneficial effect on fracture healing, while bisphosphonates may delay it.
A new study found that bi-dialectal children exhibited similar cognitive advantages as multilingual children, including improved memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. The research suggests that the ability to switch between two dialects of the same language provides mental stimulation and leads to higher cognitive performance.
A study of 33,588 Danish twins found psoriasis associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity, with a possible common genetic cause. The prevalence of psoriasis was higher among individuals with obesity, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.
Researchers at McMaster University found that a single minute of very intense exercise produces health benefits similar to longer endurance training. Brief bursts of intense exercise are remarkably effective in boosting cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin sensitivity.
A new study shows that Twitter can enhance middle school learning, with students reporting significant increases in exposure to reputable science leaders, broadening their audience, and connecting science to their lives. The research highlights the potential of open social networking tools like Twitter for personalizing education.
Accurate IOP measurement is crucial for managing glaucoma and identifying high-risk patients. Newer methods like Dynamic Contour Tonometry offer alternative solutions for patients with abnormal corneas, but limitations remain.
A study found that one in five underage youths consumed jello shots, which were associated with heavier drinking, physical fights, and increased risk of adverse consequences. The study's findings have important public health implications and suggest the need for interventions to address this consumption.
A clinical trial has shown that 27 of 29 advanced leukemia patients went into remission after their T cells were genetically engineered to fight cancer. The therapy, known as CAR T-cell therapy, uses a synthetic receptor molecule to empower the T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells.
A study published in The BMJ found that hip fracture surgery is inconsistent and inequitable, with patients from higher socioeconomic backgrounds more likely to receive it. The use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) also varies by day of week, with weekends seeing lower rates.