A world-first study by QUT finds that drugs used to treat nicotine addiction can also reduce sugar cravings and consumption. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating our relationship with sweetened food, and may represent a novel new treatment strategy for obesity.
The Royal Society of Public Health advocates for introducing activity equivalent calorie labelling on food packaging to prompt people to be more mindful of their energy consumption and encourage physical activity. Public polling shows that almost half of people find current front-of-pack information confusing, but 53% would positively ...
A new study published in Neurology found that babies born to mothers taking the epilepsy drug lamotrigine may not be at an increased risk of birth defects such as cleft lip and clubfoot. The study, which analyzed over 10 million births, estimated the excess risk of these defects to be less than one in every 550 babies.
Researchers measured precise binding energy of a 10ΛBe hypernucleus, finding small charge symmetry breaking for heavier hypernuclei. The study extends knowledge of the nuclear force to the baryonic force and has significant implications for hypernuclear studies.
New research uses iron-60 isotopes to prove ancient supernovae buffeted Earth, dating events between 1.7 million and 8.7 million years ago. Scientists estimate potential effects on human evolution and search for signs of impact on the planet.
Researchers at Stanford University found that applying pressure can increase the voltages of perovskite solar cells and enhance their electronic conductivity. This discovery holds promise for advancing low-cost tandem solar cells.
Experts predict a rise in alcohol-related deaths in England due to income growth outpacing tax increases, but Scotland's minimum unit pricing law may lead to a decrease. In contrast, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are likely to follow Scotland's lead, resulting in lower death rates.
Researchers have developed a compact and highly sensitive optical method for detecting radiocarbon dioxide concentration, enabling on-site carbon dating and greenhouse gas measurements. The SCAR instrument can deliver results in just two hours with lower cost and faster delivery time compared to traditional methods.
Research suggests that relying on smartphones for internet access while traveling can cause significant anxiety. The study, conducted by Hui-Jen Yang and Yun-Long Lay, found that young people and those with higher levels of education experience greater 'smart phone web-dependence' and associated anxiety.
A metabolic pathway up-regulated in certain breast cancers promotes disease progression by activating the cell signaling protein Arf6, according to a recent study. Statin-like drugs may be effective treatments for patients whose tumors express high levels of Arf6 signaling proteins.
A state-of-the-art molecular genetic test, exome sequencing, has been found to greatly improve the diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders in children and adults. The test can identify disorders that may have gone undiagnosed for years with greater speed and accuracy.
A study from the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London found that stroke survivors often face 'invisible impairments' that make it difficult to maintain a job. Online forums provided valuable advice and support, highlighting the need for employers to be more supportive and aware of these challenges.
Researchers are studying coral genomes to better comprehend why some reefs thrive while others die, with implications for Guam's economy and tourism industry. The new genetic sequencer will enable local scientists to tackle molecular reef ecology and train the next generation of researchers.
A new Baylor University study published in Personnel Psychology investigates why employees' unethical behaviors may be tolerated versus rejected. High job performance can offset unethical behavior, while low-performing individuals are more likely to face ostracism.
Researchers detected frequency-following responses coming from the auditory cortex, in addition to known sub-cortical generators, using magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology. This discovery will inform further research into neuroplasticity and its potential to improve auditory processing.
Researchers compare odor of human remains with dead animals to identify signature smells. They hope an artificial nose can help rescuers find bodies and aid law enforcement search for homicide victims.
A clinical trial confirms that a shortened radiotherapy schedule is as effective as conventional radiotherapy in treating low-risk prostate cancer patients. Patients treated with the shorter regimen experienced more mild side effects, but no difference in severe late side effects.
Salk scientists discovered that specific immune receptors in the brain play a crucial role in clearing both healthy and dying neurons. In their absence, new neurons increased dramatically in certain regions, suggesting that these receptors may also target living but dysfunctional cells.
Minimalist running shoes with forefoot strike may reduce repetitive strain on the knee, lower leg, and heel. However, runners should still exercise caution and transition to a new gait pattern gradually to avoid injuries.
Scientists develop method to produce polymers mimicking proteins' versatility and structure, using triazine-based polymer TZP. The resulting material has non-covalent bonds and side chains arranged in specific positions.
Scientists have discovered nanpillars on the surface of drone fly larvae that prevent bacterial colonization. These unique structures may also exhibit superoleophobic properties, hindering biofilm formation and bacterial growth.
Six new species of dragon millipedes have been discovered in Chinese caves, featuring unusually long legs and antennae. The species, which live exclusively in caves, exhibit extreme adaptations such as loss of pigmentation and elongated body parts, making them appear ghostly white and semi-transparent.
Researchers found a supermassive black hole with an estimated mass of 17 billion solar masses in the galaxy NGC 1600, located 200 million light-years from Earth. This discovery suggests that these massive objects may be more common than previously thought and could be living in smaller galaxies.
Researchers at MIT describe a feedback-control system that preserves quantum superposition in nitrogen-vacancy centers, enabling reliable quantum computing. The system uses entangled spins of nitrogen and NV center atoms to correct errors during computations.
Astronomers have discovered a record-breaking supermassive black hole weighing 17 billion suns in the center of a galaxy in a sparsely populated area of the universe. The massive object's size defies expectations, as it is 10 times more massive than predicted for a galaxy of its mass.
A randomized clinical trial found that injectable hydromorphone was noninferior to injectable diacetylmorphine in treating long-term severe opioid dependence. The study suggests that hydromorphone could be a licensed alternative for patients where diacetylmorphine is unavailable or unsuccessful.
A warming climate is expanding Europe's seasonal window for mosquito-borne dengue fever, posing a significant global health concern. The study found that increased temperatures will intensify the ability of Aedes mosquitoes to transmit the disease, putting much of Europe at risk of seasonal outbreaks by the end of the century.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have isolated antibodies with a loop-like structure that binds tightly to HIV and disables it. The study suggests a new approach to rapidly induce broadly neutralizing antibodies in people who have not been exposed to HIV.
Researchers at PPPL designed and tested a 'liquid lithium limiter' that circulated protective liquid metal within the walls of China's EAST tokamak, keeping plasma from cooling down and halting fusion reactions. The system improved tokamak performance by reducing impurities and maintaining optimal plasma conditions.
A study by sociologists found that young, less educated males share a greater amount of discriminatory content on Facebook, while young university females share the least. The researchers discovered that there is a feminine and masculine way to behave on the internet, with males tendings to be more direct in their posts.
A new study found that 85% of Scandinavian adolescents' Instagram accounts share at least one food image, with high-calorie foods like candy and ice cream being the most common. Positive descriptions and festive environments, such as birthday parties, were also strongly linked to these types of posts.
Researchers studied kindergarten children's social exchanges to understand dynamics of complex interactions, finding evidence of non-traditional hierarchies and reciprocal pairings such as leadership/followship and aggression/submission. The study suggests people do not always behave in a hierarchical manner, with some 'leaders' showin...
The article discusses the successful implementation of acupuncture in US military settings, specifically Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), and its potential benefits for treating pain. The authors highlight the importance of data collection to assess outcomes and explore additional integrative medicine techniques.
A new report exposes the shocking statistics of LGBT activists' murders in Honduras, with 215 killings between 2009 and 2015, and only 48 cases going to court. The violence rocketed after the 2009 coup, but remains largely unreported.
Researchers have developed a magnetically controlled material composed of enzymes entrapped within magnetite particles, enabling targeted treatment of cancer and thrombosis. The new material stabilizes itself without additional stabilizers, making it suitable for intravenous injection.
A recent study from Texas A&M University reveals that consuming saturated fats at certain times can disrupt the body's internal clock and trigger metabolic disorders. The research suggests that timing of fat consumption plays a crucial role in inflammation and disease prevention.
Researchers at UC Davis have made a breakthrough in understanding how we read by developing a new brain-scanning technique called FIRE-fMRI. This method combines functional MRI with eye tracking to study brain activity during natural reading, providing insights into how words are represented in the brain.
A team led by Professor Fritz Roth found that bakers' yeast can identify harmful genetic mutations more reliably than leading algorithms. By testing the effects of human mutations in yeast, they identified 62% of disease variants as damaging, outperforming computational methods.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends the use of antenatal corticosteroids to improve outcomes for babies at risk of preterm birth in the late preterm period. The recommendations are based on a randomized trial that found significant benefits in reducing neonatal respiratory complications and other adverse outcomes.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that enables the production of fuel-grade oil from plants, a breakthrough that could lead to sustainable energy solutions. The enzyme, lycopaoctaene synthase (LOS), is capable of initiating the production of hydrocarbons, which can be used to make fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
The UGA Skidaway Institute is investigating the dynamic forces of Cape Hatteras waters, which are crucial for understanding global carbon cycling and climate change. The PEACH project uses a combination of shore- and ocean-based instruments to record surface currents and subsurface information.
Researchers found that compression changes bandgaps, allowing scientists to tailor absorbed light wavelength and increase voltage. Pressure also significantly increases electronic conductivity of perovskites.
A study published in the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy found that patients receiving pulmonary medications showed a significant decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations after using the Spokane Prescription Assistance Network. However, those receiving psychotropic medications for mental health conditions saw an increase...
Two studies published in The BMJ question the effectiveness of delaying second heart shocks in hospital patients with cardiac arrest. Deferred second defibrillation attempts were not associated with improved survival rates.
A recent study led by Professor Philip Calder found that children born to mothers who ate salmon during pregnancy were less likely to have doctor-diagnosed asthma. The study compared allergy rates between two groups: those whose mothers consumed salmon twice a week, and those who did not.
Research by Queensland University of Technology found that children who spend more time outdoors have slower eye growth and reduced myopia progression. The study recommends at least two hours of outdoor light exposure per day to help prevent myopia from developing and progressing.
New research reveals dramatic worldwide increases in body-mass index (BMI) and type 2 diabetes, with American Samoa and independent Samoa exhibiting exceptionally high prevalence of both conditions. The studies attribute the rise to factors such as globalization, changing food habits and lifestyles.
A new computational tool, parabolic personalized dosing (PPD), successfully tested in a pilot trial accurately predicts the optimal drug dose for an individual patient. PPD harnesses clinical data to account for various factors influencing drug response, including age, ethnicity, and genetics.
Researchers will model uncertain future meteorology and smoke, dust to gain a comprehensive view of possible air quality implications. The study aims to improve predictions of particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere.
A new paper-based test can detect foodborne pathogens within 15 minutes, making it a game-changer in large-scale food manufacturing. The test uses controlled pore size to handle complex analysis, providing simple results that don't require special training.
The number of adults with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980, with significant increases in low and middle income countries. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for effective action to reduce the health and economic impact of diabetes.
A 7-year study of half a million Chinese adults found that eating fresh fruit daily was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, with strong associations seen in both men and women. The findings suggest that widespread consumption of fresh fruit could prevent hundreds of thousands of cardiovascular deaths annually.
A 2010 outbreak in Maryland was caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a strain sourced from raw oysters from Asian restaurants. Whole genome sequencing helped identify the pathogen's origin and introduced techniques for future outbreaks.
Researchers at CRI identified a new metabolic pathway that allows cancer cells to survive in conditions toxic to normal cells. The study reveals that cancer cells use an alternate version of the pentose phosphate pathway and the Krebs cycle to defend against reactive oxygen species.
Scientists found that ancient mammal relatives, known as therapsids, adapted to drastic climate change by breeding younger and having shorter life expectancies. This allowed them to thrive in the aftermath of mass extinction events.
A new approach to modifying 2D materials has led to an enhancement in the light absorption and stretchability of atomically thin materials. By engineering the two-dimensional material into three-dimensional crumpled structures, researchers achieved more than an order-of-magnitude enhancement in photoresponsivity.
Scientists are exploring the potential of bioceramic silicon nitride to treat severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The material's surface has been shown to degrade bacteria responsible for periodontitis, offering a promising therapeutic aid.
A new report from the Biodiversity Collections Network highlights the need for better communication about biodiversity collections research and its public benefits. The report outlines seven recommendations to improve coordination, engage new stakeholders, and develop innovative communication methods.
Researchers found that adequate vitamin D levels can prevent all types of invasive cancer combined. The study suggests a reduced risk of cancer at serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of 40 ng/ml or greater.
Researchers have identified new molecular targets for treating musculoskeletal diseases such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Several promising treatment options are expected to be available in the near future.