Research found that 'thrill of the hunt' and being part of a secret society are prime motivational factors behind purchases. Consumers also experience mixed emotional outcomes, including shame and positive hedonistic feelings.
Astronomers have captured the most detailed image yet of a protoplanetary disc around the young star TW Hydrae, revealing concentric dusty bright rings and dark gaps. The new ALMA images show intriguing features that may indicate a planet with an Earth-like orbit is forming in the disc.
SIAM has announced its 2016 Class of Fellows, a group of 30 distinguished researchers recognized for their outstanding contributions to applied mathematics and computational science. The recipients were chosen for their exceptional research and service to the community.
Researchers at Lund University developed a new method to predict type 2 diabetes risk by detecting epigenetic changes in specific genes through a simple blood test. The study found that higher DNA methylation levels were associated with increased insulin secretion and lower disease risk.
Researchers discover circular RNAs involved in tumor growth and progression, suggesting a new path to cancer treatments. The study provides insights into the role of non-coding RNA in human biology and disease.
A study found that half of patients visiting their GP with dental problems were prescribed unnecessary antibiotics, despite these not providing a definitive treatment. This has raised concerns about the impact on long-term dental health and potential contributions to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers identified a class of drugs called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors that stimulate T cell movement into tumors and enhance their activity. HDAC inhibitor romidepsin combined with PD-1-targeting antibody leads to lung tumor regression.
A new genetic urine test has been developed to predict high-grade prostate cancer, identifying 92 percent of men with elevated PSA levels who had high-grade cancers. The test could spare hundreds of thousands of men from unnecessary biopsies and reduce the risks associated with the procedure.
Astronomers have captured unprecedented details of the TW Hydrae disk, which may host a super-Earth or an infant version of our home planet. The images show concentric dusty bright rings and dark gaps, including a tantalizing gap at Earth's distance from the star.
A new study reveals that minority groups, particularly blacks and Hispanics, experienced significant declines in homicide victimization rates from 1990-2010. The drops were more pronounced for these groups than for whites, with black-white and Hispanic-black gaps narrowing by 40% and 55%, respectively.
Researchers apply global sensitivity analysis to pinpoint key HIV model parameters affecting treatment plans. By fixing non-influential inputs and minimizing parameter dimensions, they better understand HIV dynamics and develop optimal treatment strategies.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a set of neurons in the fly brain that are activated only when flies eat sweet solutions, especially when hungry. These neurons connect to taste neurons in the pharynx, allowing flies to directly taste and monitor food while swallowing it.
A recent study discovered that microRNA miR-181a suppresses tumor cell proliferation and survival in highly aggressive large B-cell lymphomas by reducing NFkappaB signaling. This finding provides hope for developing novel therapies targeting this pathway.
Researchers develop RolyPOLY, a 20-pound flexible shelter made from robotic winding of carbon fibers. The structure features a modular steel frame assembly and disassembly process for installation and removal.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAMs) for CRISPR-Cas systems, which are crucial for unlocking the system's functionality. The tools allow for rapid identification of PAM sequences across various CRISPR-Cas systems, revealing that some systems have multiple PAMs of varying strength.
Researchers found that wind carved massive mounds of more than a mile high on Mars over billions of years. The study linked the formation of these mounds to climate change on Mars, with sedimentary rocks forming at the base and wind-deposited sediments creating the mound's shape.
Scientists at EMBL have increased the efficiency of gene therapy tool Sleeping Beauty, which is being trialed for therapies targeting B-cell leukaemias and lymphomas. The enhancement results in a 30% increase in efficiency and aims to improve patient outcomes.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons were involved in 40% of cases, including most limb injuries caused by IEDs. The researchers conclude that a team of plastic, orthopedic, and general surgeons can manage almost all modern combat trauma injuries.
A global data management advisory platform, Roadmap, combines the functionality of DMPTool and DMPonline to support open science initiatives. The platform aims to provide a framework for engaging with disciplinary communities, enhancing data sharing, reuse, and discoverability.
Bernard Rollin, a renowned bioethics expert and philosopher at Colorado State University, has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Research Ethics. The award recognizes his seminal work in advancing research ethics, particularly in animal care and use.
Researchers from the University of Zurich found that the diversity of megalodon's prey decreased, leading to its extinction. The team analyzed 200 records and reconstructed the species' range over time, concluding that competition with new predators was a key factor in its demise.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to analyze the Zika virus strain isolated from an infected patient in French Polynesia. The analysis revealed that Zika's structure is similar to other flaviviruses, but with a slight difference in a region important for binding to antibodies and host receptors.
Research highlights the importance of involving young cancer survivors in health behavior interventions and leveraging e-health technologies to support behavior change. The study identifies successful characteristics shared by effective interventions, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to this population.
A new handheld 3D printing device has been developed to create bespoke scaffolds for cartilage repair, with cell survival rates in excess of 97%. The BioPen allows surgeons to sculpt customised implants during surgery, addressing the challenge of precise geometry.
A study found that only a small percentage of e-cigarette searches are related to quitting smoking, while most pertain to shopping or vaping health. The research used Google search trends from 2009 to 2014 and revealed a significant jump in popularity of 'vape' and 'vaping' terms.
A study by researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute found that a cancer gene is nearly twice as likely to be defective in children with autism spectrum disorder and their fathers. The correlation is particularly high among children with more severe ASD, suggesting a link between DNA repair capacity and genomic instability.
A new genus of treehoppers has been discovered in Texas and northern Mexico, with one species named Selenacentrus wallacei. The researchers found the species among mislabeled specimens from various collections, highlighting the importance of accurate taxonomy.
Researchers have improved upon previous assemblies of the gorilla genome using long-read sequencing technology and algorithms, reducing sequence gaps by 96% and closing 94% of previously identified gaps. The new assembly provides a better understanding of genetic variation between humans and non-human primates.
The world is experiencing a shift in global body mass index (BMI) trends, with more people becoming obese than underweight. By 2025, around a fifth of adults worldwide are projected to be obese, with over 6% of men and 9% of women expected to be severely obese.
High-temperature superconductors exhibit two coexisting states, contradicting the competition-based models previously assumed. The study reveals electronic densities are a combination of separate effects, proposing a new model for understanding these materials.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that increasing levels of protein tau may reverse cognitive deficits caused by Alzheimer's disease. They discovered that tau disrupts memory in models of Alzheimer's disease by depleting protein KIBRA, which is critical for memory formation.
Researchers developed steric trapping method to analyze membrane proteins' folding, showing promise for treating diseases at early stages. The study's findings could lead to medicinal advances in understanding protein structure and function.
A new study found that prostate-specific antigen screening publications led to a decrease in biopsy rates by one-third, while also increasing the relative risk of post-biopsy complications. The researchers identified factors that put patients at higher risk, such as age and prior cancer diagnosis.
African-Americans face significant obstacles to entrepreneurship due to centuries-old racial disadvantages, including limited access to resources and financial services. The majority of black-owned businesses are smaller, have fewer employees, and generate less revenue compared to their white counterparts.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that cancer cells can synthesize lipids from non-glucose sources, contradicting the long-held glucose hypothesis. This finding raises questions about diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for cancer.
Researchers have determined the near-atomic level map of Zika virus, showing a notable difference in one key surface protein compared to other flaviviruses like dengue. This structure may provide clues for understanding how Zika enters human cells and suggest ways to combat the virus with drugs or vaccines.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that dysfunctional mitochondria may not be the primary cause of neurological symptoms in patients with mitochondrial diseases. Instead, brain developmental defects during embryonic development may play a role.
Researchers successfully replicated a range of fault slip modes found during earthquakes, quiet periods and slow earthquakes. They used ground quartz and a machine to apply pressure and alter stresses, revealing the forces behind slow earthquake mechanisms.
UK wine producers face challenges due to climate variability and extreme weather events, which can impact productivity year-to-year. The study found that June rainfall is the most powerful weather indicator in explaining yield variability.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that firms in corrupt states have lower value and lower informational transparency. Firms on the more corrupt side of a state border also have lower firm value compared to neighboring counties.
New materials and technologies enable innovative applications for contact lenses, including slowing nearsightedness progression, drug delivery and disease monitoring. Researchers propose solutions to clinical challenges in these emerging areas, going beyond traditional vision correction.
Researchers at VIB have discovered that killed tumor cells can be used as a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to prevent cancer cell growth. This finding opens up new perspectives for using necroptosis in immunotherapy and screening for cancer drugs that induce this type of immunogenic cell death.
A new study suggests that companies are more likely to invest in developing socially responsible products when they can tap into the social status boost associated with such choices. Key findings indicate that brands have a greater incentive to innovate in mature categories where consumers are most concerned about environmental impact.
A Kyoto University study found that premature infants, aged 6 and 12 months, showed reduced interest in social stimuli compared to full-term infants. This could be an early indicator of atypical social development, including autism. The research used eye-tracking technology to assess gaze patterns and social interaction skills.
In a rat model of volume-overload-induced heart failure, LOX inhibition partially restored systolic and diastolic function while reducing cardiac fibrosis and interstitial myocardial collagen. LOX over-activation promotes progressive cardiac fibrosis and heart failure progression.
Two drugs, Vismodegib and Sonidegib, target the Hedgehog pathway to treat basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer affecting nearly 2.8 million Americans annually. The FDA-approved treatments have shown promise in shrinking tumors and improving response rates.
Viral myocarditis is a leading cause of sudden unexpected death from cardiovascular causes, particularly in men under 40 years old. Chronic myocarditis can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy requiring heart transplantation, with up to 30% of cases resulting from underlying viral infections.
A team of Monell researchers used mice engineered with OMP knocked out to demonstrate that OMP filters 'noisy' signals, allowing accurate odor information to reach the brain. The findings increase understanding of how the olfactory system integrates and transmits data about odors.
Researchers found that metabolically healthy obese individuals tend to be younger and more likely to engage in physical exercise. They were also less likely to smoke or drink heavily. Metabolically unhealthy individuals, on the other hand, had factors such as high cholesterol, age, and smoking status associated with their health.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has determined the structure of the Zika virus, revealing insights critical to developing effective antiviral treatments and vaccines. The study identified unique regions in the virus structure that could explain differences in transmission and disease manifestation.
The new journal issue provides critical input to the World Health Organization's landmark report on aging and health. The research highlights the importance of addressing elder abuse, determinants of health, and medical technology to enable healthier lives for older populations.
A University of Missouri researcher found that certain IT capabilities, including on-site IT professionals and IT infrastructure designed for patient care, boost employee productivity and lead to improved patient care in U.S. hospitals. The study suggests that hospitals with these resources can deliver more effective health information...
Researchers found that aging diminishes the mammalian central nervous system's ability to regenerate axons after a spinal cord injury. As a result, middle-aged adults already have a significantly reduced ability to regenerate compared to young adults.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified the role of natural killer cells in abdominal fat inflammation and insulin resistance. By modulating NK cell activity, they found that inflammation in abdominal fat is suppressed and insulin resistance improves.
A compact, portable pharmaceutical manufacturing system can be reconfigured to produce a variety of drugs on demand. The system is designed to provide an alternative for special situations, such as emergency outbreaks or manufacturing plant shutdowns.
Researchers at Umea University discovered that motor learning relies on the independent control of sensory neurons in muscles. This adjustment allows for selectively informative sensory information to be extracted from spindles during learning.
Researchers at Rice University have determined that 2D boron is metallic and can transmit electrons with no resistance, making it a promising material for superconductivity. The discovery may lead to breakthroughs in small-scale superconducting circuits.
Scientists create miniature retinal organoids that mimic the structure of real retinas, offering new perspectives on retina growth, injury, and repair. The protocol increases yield by up to 4-fold compared to previous methods, enabling researchers to study retinal disease mechanisms and develop therapies for age-related blindness.
Researchers will follow eight crew members over five years to measure changes in muscle strength and function, with a focus on the ankle and knee joints. The goal is to determine when muscle loss levels off and develop countermeasures to limit losses for future Mars missions.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have identified altered metabolism of methionine and tryptophan as a driving force behind glioblastoma progression. Restricting dietary intake of these amino acids may slow tumor growth and improve treatment outcomes.