Researchers found that female reproductive hormone cycles are associated with transient increases in enzymes indicative of kidney health. This suggests that women may have an increased resistance to kidney damage due to cyclical changes in sex hormone levels.
Researchers found that visitors to national parks are half as likely to see wolves when hunting is permitted outside park boundaries. In contrast, when hunting was prohibited, visitors were twice as likely to spot a wolf. The study suggests a tradeoff between harvesting and viewing wolves.
Research by Gillian Murphy found that drivers who listen to traffic reports while driving are more distracted and perform poorly on tasks like obeying road signs. The study's results suggest that auditory distractions can be just as problematic as visual ones in reducing driver attention.
A recent study examined the relationship between empathy and understanding others' mental states. The findings suggest that people who tend to be empathic do not necessarily understand other people well at a cognitive level. Social skills seem to be based on multiple abilities that are independent of each other.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers reveals a pathway that enables cancer cells to tolerate faulty DNA replication, potentially leading to new anti-cancer therapies. The discovery was made possible by the development of a tool to analyze protein regulation triggered by DNA errors.
Cancer drug costs have increased by six times over the past decade, with newly approved medications costing an average of $11,325 per month, compared to $1,869 for those introduced in 2000. This trend may impact patients' ability to access these drugs and their financial burden.
A team of scientists from Queen's University Belfast is collaborating on a novel gene therapy approach to reverse diabetes-linked blood vessel damage to the retina. The research aims to prevent disease progression and restore visual function, addressing a global challenge affecting over 90 million people.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) highlights significant progress in lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, staging, and treatment in 2015. The organization introduces a comprehensive educational resource covering topics such as tobacco control, early detection, and immunotherapy.
A team of researchers led by Chris Pantelides developed a new process to repair earthquake-damaged bridge columns in just a few days. The process uses concrete donuts lined with composite fiber material and can be used on not only bridges but also damaged columns around buildings.
A study by Emile Fiesler and Tracy Drake discovered 689 species of invertebrates in the Madrona Marsh Preserve, including flightless creatures such as camel crickets and velvet ants. The diversity was found to be surprisingly high despite urbanization pressures.
A large-scale study has identified 69 factors linked to gut flora composition, including diet, health, and lifestyle. The research provides valuable insights for future disease studies and clinical trials.
A study from McGill University found that repeat drunk drivers and speeding offenders have unique emotional and behavioral profiles, making prevention strategies more effective when tailored to their characteristics. The research suggests that high-risk drivers respond better to targeted interventions addressing their specific traits.
New research by Dr Sandi Mann at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference reveals that people tend to choose unhealthy foods when feeling bored. The study found that participants ate more unhealthy snacks after watching a boring video or completing a boring task.
A study found that a quality improvement initiative by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services increased the removal of liver transplant candidates from the waiting list. The analysis of nationwide transplant data showed that over 4,300 Americans were delisted between 2007 and 2012 due to deteriorating illness.
Researchers at the Universities of York and Leiden have created fluorescent chemical probes to measure acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme levels in human cells. This technology enables rapid detection of enzyme deficiencies, informing more effective treatments for Pompe disease and potentially other inherited conditions.
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.