Researchers investigate whether fiction can broaden minds, promote empathy, and improve mental well-being. Studies show that engaging with narratives can simulate social worlds, prompting understanding and empathy.
Epilepsia Open is an international, peer-reviewed journal covering comprehensive epilepsy research, including clinical trials, imaging and pathology research. The journal aims to make original research widely available through open access publication.
Activation of estrogen receptor alpha in brain region necessary for adult mice to express typical male social behaviors. Inhibition before puberty affects both sexual and aggressive behavior in adulthood.
Researchers found that ordering meals in advance reduces calorie intake, with an average decrease of 38 calories per hour of delay. The study suggests that restaurants can generate health benefits by offering advance ordering options.
Researchers found that older female bonobos form coalitions to attack and defeat aggressive males, helping younger females maintain social status. This coalition-forming behavior allows young females to join the group without fear of male harassment.
Researchers have successfully generated spin waves with extremely short wavelengths in the nanometer range, a key feature for their future application. The new method uses a magnetic vortex as a nano-antenna, allowing for precise control over the wavelength and wave properties.
A new study from Duke University found that infants born to obese mothers were 8% larger during the first two years of life compared to those born to healthy-weight mothers. The study also showed a link between maternal weight gain during pregnancy and infant size.
Research suggests that cranberry polyphenols interact with other bioactive compounds to protect the gut microbiota, provide antioxidant functions, and benefit cardiovascular systems. Cranberries also show promise in strengthening the gut defense system, protecting against infection, and managing glucose levels.
A study from the University of Edinburgh found that older people in Japan were less likely to experience a deterioration of existing chronic conditions after the Fukushima earthquake and nuclear meltdown. In contrast, urban dwellers showed a higher decline in managing their blood sugar levels.
Enhancers can increase the frequency of gene activity bursts, suggesting these bursts may be critical for genetic regulation. The study found that enhancer location and strength influence bursting frequencies.
Researchers discovered a soy-based protein called soy-ghretropin that increases blood levels of ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone. The findings suggest this protein may be developed to help elderly people or anorexic patients with reduced ghrelin levels and food intake.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a protein that boosts the growth of damaged muscle tissue, potentially contributing to treatments for age-related muscle degeneration and diseases like muscular dystrophy. The protein, β1-integrin, promotes stem cell growth and restoration after muscle injury, with results showing...
A 24-year study of Fowler's Toads has created a model to predict the impact of climate change on animal behavior. The model uses weather records to forecast when toads will emerge from hibernation, revealing that warming temperatures are causing this shift to occur earlier.
Researchers aim to reduce decision-making errors with cognitive flexibility training, building on previous studies that showed sleep deprivation affects sustained attention and causes 'feedback blunting' phenomenon. The three-year project will test its effectiveness in a laboratory-based experiment.
Researchers found significant improvements in eating habits among participants who attended Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food courses, including increased fruit and vegetable intake. The study also showed a decrease in snack consumption and an increase in cooking confidence.
A new study found that men tend to be more aggressive in messaging users on dating websites, sending multiple messages to attractive females. In contrast, women are more self-conscious about their own attractiveness and evaluate the likelihood of getting a response from potential matches.
House-hunting ants use tandem running to inform colony members about a new nest, increasing the discovery rate and speeding up migration. By regulating their running rate based on distance, ants efficiently minimize transit time and risk involved in migrating longer distances.
Researchers suggest that widespread brain alterations in infants at risk for autism may affect multiple systems, rather than just social brain networks. Early behavioral and imaging studies provide evidence for general abnormalities during the first year of life.
Cancer Research UK has tripled its investment in pancreatic cancer research, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. The charity hopes to develop better treatments and improve survival rates for patients affected by the disease.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that blocks neurotransmitters to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, significantly improving patient outcomes. The study found that 74% of participants experienced no nausea or vomiting when treated with olanzapine, compared to 45% on placebo.
Research suggests that home-cooked meals designed for infants and young children often exceed energy density and dietary fat recommendations, yet are cheaper than commercially available baby foods. The study found that commercial products met dietary recommendations on energy density more frequently than home-cooked meals.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nicotine patches and Zyban are effective in helping pregnant women quit smoking, with success rates of 80% and 60%, respectively. The use of these products also reduces the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Researchers at University of Missouri have developed a new, low-cost imaging platform that enables single molecule imaging with ordinary microscopes. The patented method uses surface plasmon resonance to achieve super-resolution imaging down to 65 nanometers.
A significant increase in metastatic prostate cancer cases has been observed, particularly among men aged 55-69. This rise is attributed to changes in screening practices and highlights the need for refining prostate cancer screening and treatment in the US.
A new study of ancient graptolite fossils reveals that plankton communities began changing in important ways 400,000 years before massive extinctions. The effects of environmental degradation can be subtle until they reach a tipping point, leading to dramatic declines in population.
Researchers found a negative correlation between rainfall in north-western Africa and Europe 10,000 years ago, reversing in the early Holocene period. Climate simulations suggest the North American ice sheet's melting affected atmospheric circulation patterns and ocean currents, leading to the change in correlation.
Researchers suggest combining genetics and cognitive bias studies to better understand mental health, finding that shared genes can make individuals prone to both positivity and negativity.
In a controlled study, researchers found that two aye-ayes and a slow loris could discriminate between varying concentrations of alcohol and preferred the highest concentrations. The findings support the idea that fermented foods were important in human ancestors' diets, potentially pre-adapting humans for the Neolithic Revolution.
Researchers found that subdermal buprenorphine implants maintained low to no illicit opioid use among currently stable opioid-dependent patients. The study showed that 72% of participants who received buprenorphine implants and 64% of those who received sublingual buprenorphine maintained opioid abstinence over six months.
A new study published in Radiology found that radiologists who graduated after 1940 do not face an increased risk of dying from radiation-related causes like cancer. The researchers attributed the reduction in health risks to improvements in radiation protection and monitoring, as well as advancements in equipment safety.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 10 patients discharged from state psychiatric hospitals continue to take multiple antipsychotic drugs. The high rate of antipsychotic polypharmacy is attributed to a diagnosis of schizophrenia and extended hospital stays, highlighting the need for revised standards and definitions.
Cirrhosis patients experience impaired immunity due to gut bacteria migration into the liver. Scientists identify that Type-1 IFN released by immune cells incapacitates the immune system, leading to fatal bacterial infections. Strengthening the immune response may now treat life-threatening infections without antibiotics.
Tropical Cyclone Abela continues to weaken, with two areas of strong convection remaining: one west and one southeast. The JTWC predicts Abela will dissipate by July 20 as it tracks towards northeastern Madagascar.
A new meta-analysis of 102 randomized controlled trials found that consuming unsaturated fats in place of either carbohydrates or saturated fats improves insulin resistance and secretion. This could aid in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Antioxidant supplements have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions due to their impact on oxygen radicals. However, the review suggests that targeting specific sources of oxygen molecules may be a more effective approach.
A new study of fossil fishes from Middle Triassic sediments on Lake Lugano finds that biological communities recovered within a few million years after the great mass extinction event. The research identifies two new species of ancient fish with distinct ecological niches, suggesting that ecosystems were already recovering.
A recent study by researchers at Johns Hopkins finds that people with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancers still get sunburned, likely due to ineffective use of sun-protective methods. The study urges healthcare providers to better educate patients on protective skin care practices.
Researchers found a two-million-year delay between tectonic uplift and maximum erosion rates in the Argentine Precordillera mountains. This time-lag is attributed to the slow propagation of erosion waves through the fluvial network under semi-arid conditions.
A new software has been developed to analyze time-lapse microscopy movies, enabling the measurement of cellular properties such as cell cycle length and protein expression dynamics. The tool is freely available online and has already led to high-impact publications in top scientific journals.
Researchers found that tembotrione and other HPPD-inhibiting herbicides provided comparable control to atrazine, with crop yields also comparable. In Oregon fields, several alternative treatments worked well, but limitations were noted in Midwest regions.
A new study from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, WCS, and CSU finds that dramatic increases in residential and energy development are associated with declining early winter recruitment in western Colorado's mule deer populations. The study suggests that these impacts on habitat may be having a greater effect on deer populations than previ...
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the amount of blood in dry blood spots using electrical conductivity, which is accurate within one percent and uses up none of the sample. This technique has the potential to revolutionize dry blood spot analysis for clinical trials and large-scale epidemiology studies.
The study found a weighted prevalence of diabetes among US adolescents aged 12 to 19 years to be 0.8 percent, with 29 percent being undiagnosed. Prediabetes was more common in males than females and varied significantly across ethnic groups.
Scientists have found that neutrinos can exist in a state of superposition, with no definite flavor or identity, while traveling hundreds of miles. This phenomenon is unexpected under classical theories and confirms the reach of quantum mechanics even at large scales.
Scientists have discovered how sensory nerve cells work together to transmit itch signals, identifying a new potential target for treating itching. The discovery suggests that interfering with the activity of sensory neurons may inhibit multiple types of itching.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that metastatic prostate cancer cases have increased by 72% between 2004 and 2013, with men aged 55-69 being disproportionately affected. The study suggests that both more aggressive disease and lax screening may be contributing factors.
Researchers used a genetic scoring technique to predict academic achievement from DNA, achieving 10% accuracy. This surpasses previous methods like gender and 'grit', which explained only 1-5% of the variance in educational achievement.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a fabrication method for swimming microrobots using just two conjoined microparticles coated with magnetic debris. The microswimmers can be controlled by an external magnetic field, allowing for control over speed and direction.
Researchers have successfully programmed a virus to transport genetic material to affected tissue and nerve cells, opening up new options for treating various diseases. The approach uses attenuated viruses to selectively target diseased cells, reducing damage to healthy ones.
Hurricane Darby's strength is decreasing due to warming cloud tops, indicating a weakening circulation with strong convection. The storm is expected to become a tropical storm later today, with maximum sustained winds remaining near 75mph.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a novel vaccine candidate, BD584, which shows promise in reducing chlamydial shedding and hydrosalpinx by 95% and 87.5%, respectively. The vaccine has the potential to be widely protective against all Chlamydia trachomatis strains, including those causing trachoma.
A new study predicts that climate change will restrict migratory birds to small islands in the Arctic Ocean as they retreat north, leading to declines in hard-hit regions and changes in migration pathways.
Researchers used behavioral science techniques to increase online license plate renewals in Ontario, resulting in a 42% increase and a 5-point gain in on-time renewals. The study's findings suggest that simple changes to messaging can lead to significant savings.
A study found that individuals with anorexia nervosa who struggle with insight have abnormal brain connectivity in regions involved in error detection and conflict monitoring. This can lead to poor decision-making and a reduced ability to recognize the danger of their behavior, making recovery more challenging.
Researchers at NUS have developed a novel technique to implant high-performance magnetic memory chips on flexible plastic surfaces, overcoming performance challenges. The new device uses magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) and demonstrates excellent data storage and processing capabilities.
A meta-analysis found that non-invasive brain stimulation can reduce food cravings for high-calorie snack foods, with a moderate-sized effect, roughly half a point on a four-point self-rated scale. The results suggest that DLPFC stimulation reduces cravings, especially for carbohydrates, which are often implicated in obesity.
A study of 19,158 women who underwent IVF treatment and 5,950 women starting other fertility treatments found no association between IVF and increased breast cancer risk. Women with 7 or more IVF cycles had a significantly decreased risk compared to those treated with 1-2 cycles.
Researchers in Iquitos, Peru, found that fever reduces human mobility by 30% and increases time spent closer to home. Asymptomatic individuals play a significant role in disease transmission, highlighting the need for revised surveillance and control strategies.
A new study found that the rate of new HIV infections increased in 74 countries between 2005 and 2015, posing significant challenges to ending the AIDS pandemic. Despite progress in lowering AIDS mortality, the pace of decline in new infections has slowed, with only a 0.7% drop per year between 2005 and 2015.
Children born with heart disease have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes after age 30, according to a new study. Those with cyanotic congenital heart disease face the highest risk. The incidence of diabetes by age 45 was significantly higher in CHD subjects compared to the general population.