New research reveals that newborn ducklings can learn to identify and follow abstract relational concepts, such as 'same' and 'different', without reinforcement training. This ability was previously known only in highly intelligent animals like apes and parrots.
Researchers developed a method to measure how the brain responds to electrical stimulation, allowing for more effective deep brain stimulation treatment. This patient-specific approach uses phase response curves to predict and optimize stimulus patterns, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
A two-year study found that restricting calories by 25% in healthy non-obese individuals reduced markers of chronic inflammation without negatively affecting immune responses. Chronic inflammation is linked to age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
A newly released study analyzed the lives of 255 African and Asian elephants in 68 accredited North American zoos, revealing that social interactions and having an array of opportunities to engage with their surroundings may be more important for elephants than space. The research found that spending time alone was a risk factor for el...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have mapped out biological signals necessary to direct human embryonic stem cells to become pure populations of bone, heart muscle, and cartilage. The ability to generate these cell types quickly is a key step toward regenerative medicine.
Researchers genetically designed a new strain of bacteria to produce extremely thin and highly conductive wires made from non-toxic natural amino acids. The resulting biowire has a conductivity that rivals many chemically produced organic nanowires, with potential applications in biocompatible sensors, computing devices, and solar panels.
A study published in Cancer Research found that obese women who lost weight through diet or exercise significantly lowered levels of angiogenesis-related proteins in their blood. This suggests a potential link between weight loss and reduced cancer risk, although further research is needed to confirm the association.
Researchers at UW-Madison and Purdue University have solved the atomic structure of rhinovirus C, a cold virus linked to severe asthma and respiratory infections in children. The findings provide a foundation for future antiviral drug and vaccine development against the virus.
A team of physicists and astronomers has created the largest-ever three-dimensional map of distant galaxies to measure dark energy's effects on the universe's expansion. The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) program reveals the structure of the universe over 650 cubic billion light years.
The Nurses' Health Study has made significant advances in risk prediction for cancer, while also guiding recommendations from the US Surgeon General on smoking's adverse health effects. The study's findings have led to changes in regulation, such as reduced heart disease and diabetes risk associated with trans fats.
A study found that older women with facial injuries are more likely to experience facial fractures, particularly those over 60. Black women were less likely to suffer facial fractures compared to white and Asian women.
Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered a new method for drastically changing the color and fluorescence of a compound using oxygen and hydrogen gases. The technique uses energy from gases themselves, producing only water as a byproduct and has potential applications in detection sensors and organic semiconductors.
A new study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that nearly 80% of drivers experience significant anger or aggression while driving. The research estimates that approximately eight million U.S. drivers engage in extreme examples of road rage, including physical confrontations with other drivers.
NASA's RapidScat instrument measured strong winds in Hurricane Darby reaching 67 mph near its center, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 150 miles from the center.
A study found that nearly all cancer patients overestimate their chances of survival compared to their doctors' estimates. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurate communication between physicians and patients in making informed treatment decisions.
A new discovery has identified cell markers to target HIV reservoirs, opening new treatment perspectives. The study found that using antibodies specifically binding to these markers could destroy HIV reservoirs and potentially cure infected individuals by allowing them to stop antiretroviral therapy.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish are susceptible to arthritis, mirroring the condition in humans and other mammals. The study uses zebrafish as a model to accelerate therapeutic research into preventing or easing osteoarthritis.
A recent study published in Science found that early farming populations had deep genetic differences, indicating distinct ancestries. The research identified similarities between Neolithic farmer's DNA and living people from southern Asia, suggesting a federal origin of farming.
Scientists developed a novel algorithm to predict synergistic antifungal drug combinations for treating drug-resistant fungal infections. The algorithm, NLLSS, integrates various information types and experimentally validated 7 out of 13 predicted combinations for Candida albicans, providing new treatment options.
A new study found that constant artificial lighting leads to severe disruption of health parameters in mice, including pro-inflammatory activation of the immune system, muscle loss, and early signs of osteoporosis. However, the effects are reversible when the environmental light-dark cycle is restored.
A Johns Hopkins University study finds that areas with high income inequality have fewer good jobs for young adults, leading them to start families without getting married first. The study of 9,000 millennials found that women and men who didn't graduate from college had a higher likelihood of having children outside of marriage.
Researchers identified a limit where dehydration kills cells due to trehalose network rigidity and mechanical force. The study suggests a new working hypothesis for cell injury during dry preservation.
A recent study published in Science reveals that populations in the ancient Fertile Crescent are the ancestors of modern-day South Asians, but not of Europeans. The earliest farmers from the Zagros mountains in Iran showed a genetically distinct group that only very distantly related to the first farmers of western Anatolia and Europe.
Research from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute shows that cell recycling in the intestine is crucial for healthy aging, leading to longer lifespans.
Scientists at UC Davis reveal how cells control DNA synthesis in mitochondria and couple it to mitochondrial division. This fundamental discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding cell functions, aging, and a range of diseases.
A new study suggests that donor and recipient gender incompatibility may lead to poorer corneal transplant outcomes for women. Incompatible grafts were found to fail or be rejected more frequently in men-to-female mismatched transplants, highlighting the importance of gender matching in improving patient success rates.
A research team led by Florida State University Professor Scott Steppan has cataloged 56 non-flying mammal species on Luzon Island, 52 of which are endemic to the island. The team's findings reveal exceptional diversity and suggest that there may be many more species in other tropical regions.
A team of researchers has obtained detailed structural information on KDM5 histone demethylase inhibitors, which could inform the design of more potent and selective anticancer drugs. The study found that these inhibitors can stop the growth of certain breast cancer cells, particularly those with specific genetic markers.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for extracting the content of single living cells, enabling scientists to study individual cells at the molecular level. The technique allows for precise extraction of intracellular material, preserving live cells for repeated sampling and analysis.
The new report explores how radiologists can succeed in the new payment landscape under MACRA. It provides a historical context for payment reform and describes the recent MACRA legislation, its impacts on payment, and organizations influencing its evolution.
Researchers have found cold snaps in sub-tropical ecosystems and droughts in rainforests due to human influence. The study also explores new relationships among species arising from global changes, highlighting the need for understanding ecosystem structure and function.
Researchers argue that MDMA's molecular targets could lead to new treatments for disorders like autism and PTSD with less abuse liability. Studies have shown some promise in treating PTSD, aiding patients in forming a stronger bond with a therapist.
A study found that parvalbumin-interneurons in the amygdala regulate emotional reactivity by suppressing surrounding neurons. This inhibitory plasticity is a normal consequence of memory encoding, but dysregulation may lead to hyperexcitability and pathological fear expression.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that team training can significantly improve healthcare outcomes, including reducing patient mortality by 15% and medical errors by 19%. Team training has been shown to enhance communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills among healthcare staff.
A study by Brain State Technologies found that young athletes with long-term concussion symptoms showed significant improvements after using HIRREM neurotechnology. The athletes experienced durable changes in heart rate variability, suggesting enhanced capacity for rapid adaptive adjustments in their pumping function.
City Connects, a Boston College initiative, has received a $300k grant to expand its 'whole child' support services, addressing poverty's negative effects on education. Research shows the program improves student grades, test scores, and long-term academic success.
Researchers measured oxygen content in ancient atmosphere trapped in halite (rock salt) and found it to be a key component in determining the origin and evolution of higher life forms. The discovery has applications beyond origins of life, including tracking atmospheric changes and finding economic metal deposits.
Researchers found that pre-stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, significantly influence future stroke and dementia risk. After one year post-stroke, survivors retain a high risk of recurrent strokes or dementia for at least five years.
Researchers sequenced whole genomes and epigenomes of 1,001 Arabidopsis plants to illuminate evolutionary history and interaction between genetic and epigenetic variation. The study found that approximately 25% of genes exhibit diversity in their methylation state, with correlations to climate and geographic location.
Scientists sequenced DNA from early Neolithic skeletons and found a previously uncharacterized population in Iran's Zagros region. The Zargos-based farmers' genetic sequences resemble modern-day Pakistani and Afghan populations, suggesting they split from ancient Anatolian genomes over 40,000 years ago.
Researchers discovered that bacteria divide asymmetrically when exposed to stress, accumulating defects in some individuals while others remain young and healthy. This collective behavior allows the bacterial colony to stay young, produce more offspring, and maintain overall health.
Scientists use iDISCO clearing method to visualize brain tissue from deceased patients with Alzheimer's disease, exposing nonrandom structures of beta amyloid plaques. This breakthrough finding may lead to new targeted drugs and a better understanding of the relationship between plaque presence and disease severity.
Rochester Institute of Technology professors Carlos Lousto and Manuela Campanelli have won separate grants worth $600,000 and $435,000 to advance gravitational wave astronomy. The funding will support research on black hole mergers and develop software tools for computational astrophysics.
A study found that reintroducing cougars to the Eastern US could lower deer-vehicle collision rates by 22%, preventing five human fatalities and 680 injuries annually. This would also save $50 million in costs over 30 years, as large cats thin deer populations.
Scientists warn that tropical cyclones will become stronger as temperatures rise due to a decrease in aerosols. This trend has been masked by air pollution, but is expected to become apparent in the future. Computer models predict an increase in intense storms and coastal flooding.
A University of Washington study suggests that racially based fear plays a role in public support for policing reforms. Participants who viewed police officers as threatening were more likely to support reformed policing practices, while those who saw black men as threatening were less supportive.
A new study found that subjecting female soccer players to negative stereotypes about their abilities reduced their dribbling speed significantly. The researchers discovered no significant relationship between reading negative stereotypes and flow or worry, but found that girls who felt more worried spent less time on the task.
Ecologists have identified 21 bat species that are likeliest to harbor Ebola and other filoviruses, primarily found in Southeast Asia and Central and South America. The study suggests targeted disease surveillance efforts in these regions to prevent future outbreaks.
Researchers found that newly hatched ducklings can distinguish same and different objects without training, demonstrating relational concept learning. This ability to identify logical relationships increases a young duckling's chances of recognizing its mother and siblings in the wild.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology published a special issue commemorating the 25th anniversary of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. OCT has revolutionized eye disease diagnosis and treatment, enabling early detection of devastating conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
A quantum-confined bandgap narrowing mechanism has been found to extend UV absorption into the visible light range, enabling design of high-efficiency paintable solar cells and water purification using sunlight. The researchers mixed TiO2 particles with graphene quantum dots, resulting in a composite that absorbs visible light.
A new streamlined approach to genetic testing for women with ovarian cancer allows for faster and more affordable testing, enabling personalized cancer management and cancer prevention strategies. The test has been widely adopted in the UK and internationally, with estimates suggesting it could save £2.6M per year.
A newly-discovered Patagonian allosaurid named Gualicho has short, two-fingered claws similar to those of T. rex, but its unique limbs evolved independently rather than arising from a common ancestor. The dinosaur's unusual features make it a 'mosaic dinosaur', with characteristics found in different kinds of theropods.
A new rat study suggests that a specific strain of gut microbiota may reduce colon cancer risk and increase survival rates. The research found that rats with LEW microbiota developed significantly fewer tumors than those with other strains, providing new insight into the role of gut microbiota in cancer development.
Researchers at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute have reported promising results from a Phase II clinical trial of pembrolizumab, a PD-1 antibody, in men with metastatic prostate cancer. Three out of ten participants showed significant responses to treatment, including rapid decreases in PSA levels and tumor shrinkage.
A new study has found a way to starve tumors of their blood supply by inhibiting the replenishment of an intracellular substrate needed for vascular endothelial cells to respond to pro-angiogenic signals. This approach limits the growth of new blood vessels and enhances the effectiveness of therapy.
The Moffitt Imaging Biomarker Validation Center will discover, develop and validate biomarkers for risk assessment, detection and molecular diagnosis of early cancer. The center is part of the National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network.
Researchers found that High Intensity Focused Ultrasound can selectively target and destroy placental blood vessels, potentially enabling a non-invasive procedure to separate the placenta in TTTS. The technique could reduce chance of complications and improve outcomes for affected twins.
A review of existing research concludes that manipulating food product order or proximity can positively impact food choices. Healthy food nudging is promising, with 16 out of 18 studies showing a positive impact. The review suggests using placement of products to promote healthier options, such as vegetables being placed first in line.
Researchers have identified a possible target for a new therapy for children with primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs), the most aggressive type of brain cancer in kids. The study found that inhibiting MEK activity is essential for these tumors to grow, paving the way for potential new treatment options.