A task force has been criticized for not recommending melanoma screening due to lack of evidence, but dermatologists believe early detection reduces risk of death from melanoma through visual inspections. The issue highlights the need for refined standards on skin cancer screenings with potential life-saving benefits.
Researchers at NSU discovered that barnacles can modify their penis shape, size, and length based on environmental conditions. This unique adaptation allows them to optimize their reproductive success.
A new study reveals that genetic factors play a crucial role in shaping the brain's cortical pattern, with close relationships between genetic variants across different regions. The findings suggest potential functional relationships among cortical brain regions, shedding light on the complex mechanisms underlying brain development.
A study found late preterm and early term birth rates decreased in the US between 2006 and 2014. Clinician-initiated obstetric interventions also declined, particularly among births over 37 weeks, suggesting a positive association with delayed interventions.
A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that pregnant women with health insurance coverage had lower odds of alcohol use, while non-pregnant women with insurance had higher odds. The study also found that prenatal substance use poses significant threats to maternal and child health.
A new scoring system called the Opercular Index Score (OIS) shows promise in predicting stroke outcomes and collateral robustness, potentially guiding treatment decisions.
The Health-eBrain Study launches Phase II to investigate the impact of Alzheimer's caregiving on brain and behavioral health. An international cohort of caregivers will use a mobile app to assess their cognitive function over 12 weeks, tracking stress levels, sleep, mood, and self-evaluation of memory.
The study found that genetic signatures predict education, height, BMI, and heart disease more strongly today than in the past. The role of genes decreased for education but increased for BMI and heart disease due to environmental factors.
Physicists develop simplified models to identify dark matter signals, combining results from multiple experiments. These new approaches yield unique signatures and help constrain dark matter searches.
A new trial has found that robotic and open prostate cancer surgeries achieve similar results in terms of quality of life indicators, urinary function, and sexual function. Longer-term follow-up is needed to assess the full impact on cancer survival.
Researchers found that low UPSIT scores predicted dementia and cognitive decline in older adults, while entorhinal cortical thickness was associated with UPSIT score in those who transitioned to dementia. Odor identification testing may be useful in detecting early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study by Hiroshima University scientists found Japanese tadpoles can live and grow in natural hot springs with water temperatures up to 46.1°C. This unique adaptation may allow the species to thrive on small volcanic islands with limited fresh water sources.
Despite societal perceptions, many seniors consider sexual activity essential to their well-being. Researchers found that some older adults are finding their golden years optimal for exploring new dimensions of sexuality. Others emphasized they remained sexually able and interested throughout their later years.
Research reveals that a brief period of stress can cause the hippocampus to start shrinking, which precedes the onset of memory loss. The study found that stressed rats performed poorly in memory tests compared to unstressed rats, with individual differences in brain shrinkage predicting worse performance.
Susanne Wurm, a professor of psychogerontology, has received the 2016 Baltes Foundation Award for her outstanding work on healthy aging. Her research focuses on the impact of individual views on aging and their role in shaping health outcomes.
Scientists have identified a new species of beaked whale using DNA analysis, with eight known specimens found across the Pacific Ocean. The new species is darker and smaller than the more common Baird's beaked whale, and its genetic differences suggest it represents a distinct species.
Researchers discovered microscopic crystals telling of unimaginable pressures and temperatures when a 12-kilometer asteroid formed Meteor Crater. The zircons endured temperatures of 2,000 degrees Celsius, revealing an unusual realm for geology where extreme pressure and temperature occur briefly.
Scientists have successfully realised qubits in a novel form, leveraging electron holes to overcome interference issues. This breakthrough offers potential improvements in programming and reading quantum bits for future quantum computers.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $400,000 to researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia to assess the potential of a specific sugar molecule as a target for a malaria vaccine. The goal is to prevent Plasmodium transmission and achieve a world free of malaria.
Researchers have developed a new type of terahertz quantum cascade laser that can produce a record output power of up to 230 milliwatts in continuous wave mode. This breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including spectroscopy, medical imaging, and remote sensing.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing new hybrid materials that use light to detect chemical warfare agents. The team, led by J. Karl Johnson, is exploring the use of multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with plasmonic cores to selectively transport toxic chemicals for detection and neutralization.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is creating a free online database of over 100 scientifically accurate 3D biomedical animations. This project, led by Dr Drew Berry, aims to provide valuable teaching and learning resources for schools and universities teaching biomedical science.
Researchers have observed a novel state of matter with quantum spin liquid properties in calcium-chromium oxide monocrystals. Despite conventional expectations, the spins remain collective and dynamic even at extremely low temperatures, exhibiting unique behavior.
The National Science Foundation has awarded over $2.5 million in research funding to Virginia Tech's Wireless@Virginia Tech for projects supporting the White House's Advanced Wireless Research Initiative. The funding will address critical issues in emerging wireless communication networks and technology.
A recent study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory sheds light on the critical decision every newly born cell makes: whether to continue proliferating or exit the cell-division cycle. The decision depends on delaying the expression of Cyclin E, which is regulated by a feedback loop involving ORC1 and CDC6.
Researchers aim to reduce errors in warning decisions by considering all three key aspects: who, what, and when. Effective warnings are crucial for mitigating casualties and increasing transparency.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new approach to purify water using graphene oxide and bacteria-produced cellulose. The bi-layered biofoam is light, strong, and flexible, allowing for efficient evaporation of contaminated water.
Professor Yiqi Luo of the University of Oklahoma has been elected as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union for his pioneering work on data assimilation and ecological forecasting. His research focuses on predicting ecosystem responses to global change, enabling ecologists to forecast future changes in ecosystem services.
A citizen science project, SOS, uses high-resolution satellite images to help researchers count Weddell seals in the Ross Sea. By contributing to this effort, the public will aid in understanding how fishing affects seal populations and the entire ecosystem.
A 45-year study found that low physical capacity is associated with a 21% lower risk of death over four decades. The study showed that being physically active can have a significant impact on lifespan.
A new study by Binghamton University researchers suggests that organizations should consider the human side of IT errors, including mood and personality traits. The study found that developers are less likely to report self-committed errors when in a positive mood, highlighting the importance of fostering an environment where employees...
A recent study by Sanford Health identified gene mutations that could impact treatment for adult cancer patients. The study found nearly 90% of patients had genes that matched treatment options, with 40% able to receive personalized therapy.
Robyn I. Stone, executive director of the Center for Applied Research, received the award for her research and analysis that improved policy and practice in aging. Her work has directly influenced policy development and practice at state and local levels regarding long-term care workforce training and job design.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a virtual reality driving environment specifically designed for teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. The system, called VADIA, gathers information on users' reactions and adjusts difficulty levels to provide personalized training.
Patients with three or fewer metastatic brain tumors who received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone had less cognitive deterioration and improved quality of life compared to those who received SRS combined with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that ...
A new study found that immunosuppressive drugs can alter visual performance in rats, which are commonly used for translational stem cell research. The findings have important implications for interpreting results of studies using these models.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found cord blood transplants had a lower incidence of severe chronic graft-versus-host disease and allowed patients to discontinue immunosuppression sooner. The results suggest cord blood may be equal to or better than matched, unrelated donor transplants.
A new technique called magnified analysis of proteome (MAP) allows scientists to image brain tissue at multiple scales, preserving proteins within cells and connectivity between neurons. The method enables high-resolution imaging with a resolution as high as 60 nanometers, tracing connections in the human brain more accurately.
Researchers have unveiled a new diagnostic tool that can identify Alzheimer's disease long before the onset of symptoms using a non-invasive eye scan. The tool, developed by Professor Melanie Campbell, uses polarized light to highlight amyloid protein deposits in the retina.
The LIGO-Virgo collaboration's detection of binary black holes could be evidence of primordial black holes formed after the Big Bang. The observation would guide theories about the universe's early days and provide crucial clues about dark matter.
Four cloned sheep, the 'Dollies', have reached their 9th birthdays in good health, defying initial concerns about premature ageing. Long-term assessments show no detrimental effects of somatic-cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) on these animals.
A new type of portable infrared detector has been developed, operating at room temperature, enabling efficient and compact detection systems. The detector uses an 8x8 array of pixels to sense specific wavelengths of infrared light and convert them into electrical signals.
Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered that gold can be magnetized by applying heat. The non-equilibrium anomalous Hall effect (nAHE) was observed in the gold film due to the heat flow, indicating the evolution of magnetization. This discovery has potential applications in thermoelectric devices and spintronics.
Researchers at Yale University found that only a small percentage of Olympic athletes, spectators, and visitors will bring the Zika virus back to their home countries.
A study by University of Zurich researchers found that individuals posting hate speech who used their full name were more common than anonymous trolls. Online anonymity is not a deterrent for hate speech, as it can actually increase credibility and popularity among trolls.
A new study by the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health found that exposure to airborne dust and high temperatures significantly increase the risk of bacterial meningitis. Climate surveillance alongside simple control measures could predict and minimize future outbreaks in Africa's meningitis belt.
The review highlights the effectiveness of WHO cancer pain relief guidelines in promoting cancer pain relief. The guidelines have been widely adopted despite initial release in 1986, making them a valuable resource for healthcare providers.
Researchers project up to 93 million people at risk of Zika infection, including 1.6 million childbearing women, due to herd immunity. The projections highlight the potential scale of the epidemic and emphasize the importance of addressing it before it spreads too far.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a technique to visualize DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, shedding light on its impact on skin cancer. The study provides clues on how sunlight triggers mutations and cancer, with implications for future therapies.
Researchers found that patients on active surveillance for low risk prostate cancer experienced similar health-related quality of life as men without the disease. The study suggests that conservative management can be a safe option, allowing clinicians to counsel patients effectively about potential outcomes.
Four individuals selected for a 12-month fellowship at the FDA Center for Tobacco Products, working on tobacco-product regulation and public health strategies. The program aims to enrich fellows' understanding of tobacco products and their regulatory activities.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that climate disasters like heat-waves or droughts enhance the risk of armed conflicts in countries with high ethnic diversity. The research analyzed data from the international reinsurance market leader Munich Re and a conflict dataset establishe...
Engineers developed a numerical model to calculate nitrogen's age in corn and soybean fields, potentially improving fertilizer application techniques. The research found that nitrogen topsoil has a relatively high average age compared to water, with ammonium accumulating in the upper layers.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a way to etch very tall, narrow finFETs, a type of transistor that forms a tall semiconductor 'fin' for the current to travel over. The new method addresses problems in creating 3-D devices by stacking layers or carving out structures from a thicker semiconductor wafer.
A study found a significant increase in hospital visits and pediatric marijuana exposure cases in Colorado after recreational use was legalized. The authors reported an average rate of 2.3 marijuana-related visits per 100,000 population and a 34% increase in regional poison center cases.
Researchers found that metformin reversed early cellular aging, causing increased sestrin 2 levels and AMPK activity, which led to full-term births in mice. The study provides new clues into the molecular pathway of preterm birth and suggests a potential safer alternative to rapamycin for preventing premature birth.
A new study published in Personnel Assessment and Decisions found that in-person interviews outperformed technology-mediated interviews in terms of company and candidate ratings. The research suggests that face-to-face interactions provide a more favorable impression, while video interviews received the most negative rankings.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology and colleagues around the world have discovered exceptional points in wave physics, where complex frequencies emerge. By steering a system around these points, they have observed surprising effects, including asymmetric mode switching.
Researchers at Rice University have found that ultra-flat circuits made from 2D materials exhibit distinct electronic characteristics compared to traditional components. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new electronics designs, including photovoltaic applications and transistors.
Researchers mapped brain structure changes in teenagers to understand the onset of mental health problems. The study found that myelin levels increase within the cortex during adolescence, potentially linking it to schizophrenia risk genes.