Researchers found that hearing metaphors involving arms or legs activates the left extrastriate body area (EBA) in the brain, which is responsible for visual perception of those body parts. This finding supports the concept of grounded cognition, where comprehension of abstract concepts is built upon concrete experiences.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a novel virtual reality training scheme that improves motor skills and mobility of impaired hands. The training program has been shown to be effective in rehabilitating patients with hemiparesis, a condition causing weakness or paralysis of one hand.
A $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will support fundamental advances in sustainability science at Colorado State University. The project aims to address pressing global problems by integrating natural sciences with sociological and economic disciplines, focusing on water, energy, and food issues.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new technique that uses focused ultrasound and nanoparticles to enhance cancer biomarker detection in blood samples. This non-invasive method has been shown to be as accurate as traditional biopsies, with potential applications for personalized medicine.
Researchers discovered that radiotherapy can be less effective due to inflammation and immune response modulation. Combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy may enhance treatment benefits.
Researchers review newly discovered anticancer molecules and their interactions with DNA, aiming to improve chemotherapy efficiency. New cancer treatment strategies also emerge, targeting tumor cell cycles and promoting apoptosis.
The whitefly's genome has expanded families of detoxification genes and acquired 142 genes from bacteria or fungi that enable it to feed on diverse plants and evolve resistance to insecticides. This discovery will aid in the development of new control strategies using RNA interference to combat this global pest.
A team of investigators found that breast cancer cells with a few defined molecular alterations can spread to organs and form aggressive metastasis without a primary tumor. Most early spread cells remain dormant until a growth switch is activated.
A long-term study found that young women in socioeconomically weak areas have lower contraceptive usage rates, with a rise in unplanned pregnancies. The study suggests that increased awareness about contraception is needed in these areas.
A new study found that high school girls with body image misperceptions are more likely to try alcohol and engage in heavy drinking. The researchers analyzed data from the 2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which found that 67.7% of girls had had at least one drink in their lifetime.
A study published in Psychological Science found that judges in the US tend to give defendants longer sentences on Mondays following daylight saving time transitions. The researchers analyzed data from 1992-2003 and discovered a consistent trend of harsher sentencing, suggesting that sleep deprivation may influence legal decisions.
Research found that adults who were in a stable marriage had better prospects of survival after having a stroke, with risks being 71% greater for those who never married compared to continuously married adults. The study also found that multiple marital losses and depressive symptoms impeded recovery after a stroke.
Researchers at NYU Dentistry are studying calcium control in dental enamel to develop improved strategies for preventing and treating dental caries. The goal is to understand how changes in calcium levels affect enamel mineralization and develop clinical techniques to replicate these processes.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a groundbreaking breakthrough in developing a noninvasive brain-computer interface technology that allows people to control a robotic arm using only their minds. Eight healthy human subjects successfully controlled a robotic arm to pick up objects and move them from one location to a...
Concordia researchers create a Yule tree graph to chart evolution and predict extinction rates based on phenotypes. The model suggests that the length of time a species lives until extinction depends on its phenotype.
Scientists at the University of York found evidence of raw animal tissue, uncooked starch granules, and pollen grains in a 1.2 million year old hominin's dental plaque. This suggests that Europe's earliest humans did not use fire for cooking until around 800,000 years ago.
Researchers analyzed PTSD symptom networks to understand how initial stress reactions develop into longer-term problems. The study found that intrusive memories and reactivity are centrally related to other symptoms in the acute phase.
A Kansas State University study found that celebrity chefs exhibit poor food safety habits, including inadequate hand-washing and contamination risks. The researchers suggest that celebrity chefs can promote better food safety practices through education and awareness.
Researchers have identified two neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus that exclusively target the virus, demonstrating high specificity and protecting mice from infection. These antibodies, Z23 and Z3L1, block infection by targeting the virus' envelope protein, offering potential hope for preventative and treatment approaches.
Research at McGill University has identified a link between decreased X chromosome gene PPP2R3B expression and tumor progression in melanoma. The findings suggest that genetic specificity of the X chromosome plays a role in gender differences observed in melanoma prognosis.
A meta-analysis published in Neurology found that people with protein in their urine are 35% more likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. Chronic kidney disease shares many risk factors with dementia, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics found that medical care costs for children with Down syndrome are less than $100 a month higher than those for typically developing children. The average monthly cost difference is lower when the child is older, ranging from $537 a year for children aged 13-18.
Low-income children receive similar amount of dental care as their privately insured peers, yet have higher rates of poor oral health. The study suggests that addressing social determinants such as nutrition and housing is crucial to improving oral health outcomes among low-income populations.
A study published in Psychological Science found that allowing children to gesture naturally increased the number of creative ideas they came up with. The researchers also discovered that instructing children to gesture specifically boosted creativity even further.
A new, fully-automated rainout shelter has been developed to enable precise testing of crop varieties for their tolerances to water stress. The shelters use a portable solar power system and customizable features like rain sensors and surveillance cameras.
Researchers found that vitamin B3 nicotinamide can relieve preeclampsia symptoms, improve blood vessel damage, and even stimulate fetal growth in affected mothers. The treatment has shown promise as a potential alternative to delivery for pregnant women with the deadly disease.
A UT Dallas biologist and his team discovered that NQO1 and HIF-1a, two enzymes previously linked to cancer cell survival, actually work in tandem to promote tumor growth. The researchers found that NQO1 binds to HIF-1a, stabilizing it and preventing its degradation.
The American Association of Anatomists has awarded $75,000 in Scientific Gap Funding to support researchers with up to $25,000 each. The grant recipients include Dr. Rebecca Hartley, Dr. Anthony Huang, Dr. Johnathan Perry, and Dr. Wayne Vogl for projects ranging from breast cancer research to paleobiology and taste receptors.
A study conducted by New York University researchers found that individuals with substance use disorders face significant challenges transitioning from long-term residential treatment to the community. Common barriers include unmet basic needs, strained relationships, and lack of support networks.
Research reveals how plants regulate their response to elevated temperatures differently between daytime and nighttime. A plant's response to heat stress is maximized during the hottest part of the day when TOC1 binds to PIF4 inhibiting its activity at night.
Researchers show that fungal hyphae provide an infrastructure for bacterial horizontal gene transfer, allowing bacteria to adapt better to different environmental conditions and access new food sources. Soils with high fungal content are likely better equipped to break down pollutants.
The study found that large-scale data can be gathered in real time from mobile devices, stored securely, and transferred. State transition patterns of activity, not just absolute activity, relate to the reported presence of disease.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nanoparticle technology that increases natural killer cells 10,000-fold, paving the way for accelerated clinical trials. The therapy shows promise in treating acute myeloid leukemia and could lead to the creation of on-site cancer treatments.
A new Stanford study utilizes smartphones to collect data on individuals' physical activity patterns, heart rate, and other cardiovascular metrics. The study found that not just the amount of activity matters but also the pattern, with those who were active throughout the day reporting better levels of cardiovascular health.
New research on Mars suggests that finger-like rock structures could be evidence of ancient microbes, potentially harboring past life. Thousands of geese have died due to toxic waters in Montana's Berkeley Pit, highlighting the spread of heavy metals and acid into groundwater.
Researchers aim to understand how particle shape influences catalytic activity and design more efficient catalysts for CO2 recycling reactions. The goal is to convert climate gas CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels.
Psychologists analyzed links between provider burnout, quality of care, and patient safety across various medical disciplines. The meta-analysis found a consistent relationship between higher levels of burnout and lower levels of both quality and safety.
A new study reveals that people favor policies that reward voluntary behavior and create advantages, while opposing those that punish obligatory behavior or create disadvantages. By understanding this 'matching effect,' policymakers can improve policy acceptance rates.
Researchers at the Krembil Research Institute have published a paper that challenges the prevailing view of vision recovery after retinal cell transplantation. They found that transplanted photoreceptor cells do not enter the recipient retina, contrary to previous interpretations.
A Brigham and Women's Hospital study found that using ibuprofen or acetaminophen for 6 years or more increases the risk of hearing loss in women. The research analyzed data from over 54,000 women and found a modest increase in risk, with approximately 5.5% of hearing loss potentially due to pain reliever use.
Research reveals that endurance running alters brain structure and function in ways similar to complex tasks like playing a musical instrument. The study found greater functional connectivity in the brains of young adult cross country runners compared to sedentary individuals.
A literature review of over 19,000 residents in general surgery programs found an overall attrition prevalence of 18 percent. Uncontrollable lifestyle and switching specialties were the most common reasons for leaving.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and American Museum of Natural History found two dolphin species in the Bay of Bengal are genetically distinct from those in other regions. The research suggests that the Bay's unique oceanic habitat is driving evolutionary changes, potentially leading to new species emergence.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new, complex baleen whale call, named the Western Pacific Biotwang, with characteristics similar to those of minke whales. The five-part call was recorded in the Mariana Trench and features deep moans and a metallic finale.
Scientists have combined hair-like wires with electronic skin to make a more versatile sensor for robots and prosthetics. The new device can detect air flow, pressure, and slip forces, allowing it to mimic the sensations felt by humans.
Fake medicines have been a problem since the first manufacture, with thousands of 'Third Men' hiding in today's world. Investment in medicine regulatory authorities is crucial to combat substandard and falsified medicines that can drive antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have observed powerful whirlwinds shooting out of the rotating disc of a newly formed star. The wind is thought to slow down the rotation, allowing the material to contract and form planets.
A Washington State University study found that vaccinating cattle for East Coast fever increases household wealth and income, leading to more food and education. Fewer cattle deaths also enable families to send their daughters to secondary school.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a non-invasive method to detect infections in prostheses using an improved version of electrical capacitance tomography and a thin-film sensor that can detect changes in pH levels. The new method could provide quantitative diagnostic information about the extent and locations of infections.
A survey of 393 hospital neonatal intensive care units found only 56% believe there are enough ophthalmologists to screen and treat retinopathy of prematurity. Screening can be done with telemedicine, but only 21% of respondents used retinal imaging devices, with half being unsure about its safety.
A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a proprietary peptide-hydrogel biomaterial that promotes skin cells to 'crawl' together, closing chronic, non-healing wounds caused by diabetes. The treatment closed wounds 200% faster than no treatment and 60% faster than existing collagen-based products.
Researchers found that prion diseases can infect the gut through contaminated meat, and that M cells are key to whether or not the infection takes hold. The study suggests that factors like inflammation and ageing may influence a person's risk of contracting prion diseases.
A research team at the University of Geneva has discovered that sulfur can act as an effective catalyst, transforming molecules with greater precision than hydrogen. This breakthrough enables chemists to exercise increased control over molecular transformations, paving the way for the creation of new materials and applications.
A supervised injection facility in San Francisco could prevent 3.3 HIV cases, 19 hepatitis C virus infections, and save an average of 0.24 lives per year. The facility would also facilitate 110 people to enter medication-assisted treatment, resulting in estimated annual health savings of $6.1 million.
The MyShake app has recorded nearly 400 earthquakes globally since its launch in February, providing valuable data on seismic activity. The app's performance shows it can complement traditional seismic networks and serve as a stand-alone system in areas with few stations, helping reduce earthquake-related injuries and damage.
A new study reveals that most IT security managers prefer employees not to bring their own devices to work due to security concerns. The study highlights the risks of BYOD, including viruses, phishing, hacking attacks, identity theft, and corporate espionage.
A new study from OpenNotes investigators finds that offering patients a mechanism to provide feedback about their notes enhances engagement and improves patient safety. The majority of patients reported understanding the content of their notes and providing valuable feedback, which led to changes in the record or care in 57% of cases.
Researchers identified paltering as a distinct form of deception where individuals tell truthful statements to create a mistaken impression. People tend to prefer paltering over lying by commission but face similar consequences when caught.
Researchers measured significant spring pulses of greenhouse gases in the Arctic during thaw, revealing that the region may not be as effective at absorbing CO2 as previously believed. The study's findings suggest that climate change could lead to more frequent and intense emissions, which could offset the Arctic's role as a carbon sink.
Researchers studied olivine, a key mineral in Earth's mantle, to understand plate tectonics and measure the Earth's surface thickness. They found that tectonic plates are approximately 100 kilometers thick, contradicting previous theories.
A new study by UNC School of Medicine found that only 49.8% of surveyed teens consider cigar warnings 'very believable', highlighting the need for improved tobacco prevention campaigns. The survey, which included 1,125 adolescents aged 13-17, suggests that graphic warnings may be more effective in engaging youth.
Researchers at Duke University developed a new technology using nanocubes to simplify multispectral imaging in color and infrared, promising cheaper and more robust solutions for various industries. The technique relies on plasmonics and can be scaled up, reducing costs and increasing accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Miami have identified margin collapses and submarine landslides along the Great Bahama Bank that could generate tsunamis in the past and potentially again. The study suggests that these events could pose a risk to Florida and Cuba, with tsunami waves potentially several meters high.
A team led by CU Boulder Professor Delores Knipp found that shock waves from CMEs create nitric oxide, which rapidly cools and shrinks the upper atmosphere. This natural 'thermostat' mechanism helps regulate Earth's temperatures after intense solar activity.
A study published in The Lancet found that adding an MRI scan after a 20-week ultrasound scan can increase the accuracy of diagnosing fetal brain abnormalities, with almost all scans being correct. This extra information helps doctors give more accurate diagnoses and advice to parents.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine reduced both marijuana and alcohol use in treatment-engaged adolescents. The study's results suggest NAC may generalize to other substances and be useful in decreasing adolescent alcohol use.
A new study suggests that nearly a quarter of attempted suicides at metro stations can be identified using real-time CCTV, paving the way for prevention. The researchers found that specific behaviours such as pacing and leaving objects on the platform could indicate suicide risk.
The VIRCA Plus consortium aims to improve agricultural productivity and enhance nutrition for smallholder households in East and West Africa by developing disease-resistant and nutritionally-enhanced cassava varieties. The project will address challenges such as plant viral diseases, which can destroy up to 100% of a cassava crop yield.
Scientists found abnormal immune reactions in the brain's cerebrospinal fluid seven years before expected dementia onset. TREM2 levels can track immune activity and predict disease progression.
Johns Hopkins scientists successfully created more-flexible human embryonic stem cells by dosing conventional ESCs with a cocktail of three chemical inhibitors. The new cells exhibit features similar to those of classic mouse ESCs, enabling their potential use in therapies and genetic disease modeling.
A new study suggests that Santa's visits are more closely tied to socioeconomic status than child behavior. The researchers found no association between Santa visits and school absences or youth conviction rates, but higher odds of non-visit in areas with poverty and deprivation.
Research shows that pre-sensitization to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhances nickel allergy in mice, shifting the immune balance towards a Th1 response. This finding suggests that an anamnestic history of oral infectious disease may contribute to nickel hypersensitivity.
Researchers developed a crop model to predict optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates for corn, improving accuracy and reducing losses. The model can assist with nitrogen management and mitigate environmental concerns.
Scientists have made significant advancements in understanding the ionosphere, a region of Earth's atmosphere that reacts to changes from both space above and Earth below. Research reveals that the ionosphere can experience 'overcooling', causing rapid energy loss and collapse, which can disrupt satellite orbits.
Scientists discovered remnants of freshwater plants and animals in the Atacama's salt flats, indicating the presence of lakes and wetlands between 9,000 and 25,000 years ago. The findings suggest an alternative path for early settlers through the desert, potentially providing homes and sustenance.
A new study found that opioid prescribing rates in Canada decreased by 13.7% following the release of national guidelines for chronic non-cancer pain management in 2010. However, rates of opioid-related hospital visits rose 13% between 2010 and 2013, possibly due to high-dose prescriptions increasing overdose risk.
A new study found that children who spent more time on screen devices and watching television were more likely to engage in behaviors leading to obesity, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. The research suggests that limiting screen device use may be as important for health as limiting TV time.
A review of 18 studies found that later high school start times are associated with longer weekday sleep durations and reduced vehicular accident rates. This suggests that moving school start times later may help teens get more sleep and have fewer motor vehicle accidents.
A recent BMJ study dispels the myth that Santa only visits well-behaved children. Instead, research suggests socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining whether Santa will visit a child. The study found that pediatric wards in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were less likely to receive Santa visits.
US women saw a sharp increase in breast cancer gene testing after Angelina Jolie's article, with daily rates rising 64% immediately. However, there was no change in overall mastectomy rates, suggesting that celebrity endorsements may not effectively target high-risk groups.
A study found a 64% spike in genetic tests for breast cancer following Angelina Jolie's op-ed piece, but no uptick in mastectomy rates. The tests did not lead to additional breast cancer diagnoses, suggesting overtesting among low-risk groups.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that a combination of existing targeted therapy and investigational molecule can induce breast cancer cell death in preclinical experiments. The approach has wide implications for advancing treatment if successful in planned clinical trials.
Soil moisture can help forecast where power will go out along the East Coast during hurricanes. A study using satellite maps found a 91% accurate method for predicting power outages.
A new study from King's College London has found a link between adolescent obesity and the risk of developing heart disease in early adulthood, regardless of ethnicity. The study tracked an ethnically diverse group of children and found that being overweight in early adolescence adversely affects cardiovascular health in the 20s.
Florida Atlantic University will lead a consortium of experts to promote smart cities, improve multimodal connections, and enhance collaboration between agencies. The institute aims to address critical issues affecting the nation's intermodal freight transportation system.
The researchers created synthetic materials that can react to their environment, recover from damage, and even self-destruct once their usefulness has come to an end. They developed microcapsules that contain a healing agent released automatically when exposed to specific environmental changes.
Researchers propose a unifying framework for managing environmental microbiomes, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity in maintaining human health. The study suggests that altering microbial diversity can have significant impacts on human health, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies.
The DFG is establishing seven new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in various fields, including predicting human behavioral patterns and studying the matter inside planets. The first funding period will receive approximately €17 million.
Researchers developed RNA nanoparticles that selectively bind to HER2-overexpressing breast tumors, eliminating MED1 expression and sensitizing them to tamoxifen treatment. The nanoparticles also reduced cancer stem cell content, a promising strategy for treating advanced metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that antibody levels in saliva are linked to those in blood serum, suggesting a non-invasive method for assessing immunity. Higher antibody concentrations in serum were associated with higher concentrations in saliva, particularly for IgA antibodies.
Researchers found that long-fingered bats, known for eating insects, can also catch fish. The study suggests that their fishing technique developed from a primary reaction to disappearing target stimuli, and they may improve their skills through experience and social learning.
Scientists have identified over a dozen genes linked to bone density and strength, using a novel approach that could speed up the development of new osteoporosis treatments. By mapping these genes onto existing genome-wide association study locations, researchers predicted 33 genes controlling bone mineral density.
Glowworms' adhesive threads feature water-absorbent droplets containing minerals possibly from primary urine, extracting atmospheric water to avoid desiccation. The lines' composition is unique, containing mainly water, hygroscopic salts, and biomolecules.
A study of over 5,500 women found that younger patients and those who had taken hormone replacement therapy were less likely to adhere to their medicine. The researchers identified several factors that contributed to non-adherence, including socioeconomic status and marital status, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to impro...
A recent study found that less than half of Mount Everest climbers report using medications on climbs, with acetazolamide being the most commonly used to prevent altitude sickness. The research suggests that rumors of widespread drug abuse among climbers are unfounded and that medication use is primarily for legitimate health purposes.
A Spanish-Italian team has discovered that carbonaceous chondrites can synthesise complex organic compounds in the presence of water and formamide. This suggests that these meteorites played a vital role in the origins of life in the universe.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze social media data from 188,000 subscribers and created unique marketing personas. These computer-drawn personas can be updated quickly and are scalable for use with various types of consumer transactions.
Research from the Turnaway Study reveals that women who were denied an abortion reported anxiety symptoms and lower self-esteem after being turned away. However, these effects improved over time, suggesting that access to abortion is essential for women's psychological well-being.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus found that traditional lectures have little impact on students' problem-solving skills after the first semester. Post-secondary institutions may need to adapt their teaching styles to incorporate active discovery and skill-based learning.
A recent study published by the American Chemical Society found that red cabbage microgreens can help lower LDL, or 'bad', cholesterol and liver triglyceride levels in mice on high-fat diets. The microgreens contained more polyphenols and glucosinolates than mature red cabbage, making them a promising source of health benefits.
A Northwestern Medicine study shows that trained partners can catch far more mole irregularities than control group participants, growing their confidence and trust along the way. Common areas prone to developing fatal melanoma include hard-to-see spots on the body.
A Joslin researcher will study how exercise affects the body at a molecular level to develop individually targeted exercise recommendations and help people with mobility issues. The project aims to provide valuable insights into harnessing these molecular changes to benefit patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
A mesocosm experiment revealed that ocean acidification impairs the calcifying phytoplankton species Emiliania huxleyi's ability to form blooms, leading to reduced population size and flux of organic matter. This has strong impacts on the ecosystem, including reduced sinking of organic matter and altered climate feedbacks.
Researchers at the McEwen Centre developed functional pacemaker cells from human stem cells, which regulate heart beats with electrical impulses. The cells were tested in rat hearts and shown to function as a biological pacemaker.
A survey of nearly 1,850 airline pilots found that many are managing depressive symptoms due to fear of stigma and job impact. The study highlights the importance of assessing pilots' mental health and increasing support for preventative treatment.
A international research collaboration sequenced the entire seahorse genome, revealing gene losses and duplications that enabled specialized traits such as male pregnancy and armored body. The study provides insights into evolutionary mechanisms driving biodiversity.
A study by Professors Bhattacharyya and Chakrabarty suggests that a population of neutron stars may emit gravitational waves continuously, which could slow down their spin rates. This finding has strong implications for the study of these dense objects in the universe.
Researchers at the Forsyth Institute have defined the immune-regulatory mechanisms of Sjögren's syndrome, revealing how PD-L1 and PD-1 proteins interact to suppress protective immunity. The study found that inhibiting this pathway accelerates autoimmune responses and disease development.
Scientists at Aalto University discovered half-quantum vortices in superfluid helium, a topological defect that overcomes limitations of circulating currents. This breakthrough may enable access to isolated Majorana modes and exotic solitary particles, crucial for quantum information processing.
A recent study by KIT researchers found that communication of risks related to mobile phones can have unintended consequences. Information on efficient precautions was found to lead to an increased risk perception by recipients, highlighting the need for a better understanding of how messages about precautions affect public perception.
When southern elephant seals find dense prey patches, they adjust their diving behavior to remain in those areas. The seals dive at steeper angles and exhibit more sinuous movement during ascents and descents.
Bielefeld University physicists develop new method to study biological cells using optical tractor beams, allowing for superresolution images of DNA in single bacteria. The technique enables researchers to rotate and move bacterial cells at will, enabling the study of three-dimensional cellular structures.
A review of 22 studies on general surgery residents found a pooled estimate of 18% attrition prevalence, with significant variation between studies. The most common causes of attrition were uncontrollable lifestyle and choosing another specialty.
Researchers found a common bacterial cause of gum disease may trigger rheumatoid arthritis by inducing hypercitrullination, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans as the primary pathogen responsible for this process.
Researchers developed antibacterial agents using usnic acid-loaded electrospun fibers, which showed controlled release and mass production of active surface. The fibers demonstrated effective bactericidal activity against different bacteria, making them a promising secondary therapy for diabetic wound healing treatment.
UC researchers have identified a new drug pathway to combat Pneumocystis pneumonia, which affects immune-compromised individuals and is often fatal. The study found that inhibiting the fungus's inositol transporter could be an effective treatment, offering hope for patients with HIV/AIDS and those on immunosuppressive drugs.
Father Christmas can deliver presents without being seen by using special relativity theory devised by Albert Einstein. At high speeds, he shrinks in the direction of travel, allowing him to fit down chimneys.