A five-minute brain activity test predicted language learning speed in adults with 60% accuracy. Researchers believe neurofeedback training can be used to strengthen desirable brain patterns and improve language learning.
The American Psychological Association's special issue explores the importance of psychology in promoting healthy aging, preventing dementia, and ensuring retirement security. Researchers examine the impact of ageism, financial exploitation, and family dynamics on older adults' well-being.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that electronic monitoring significantly increased hand-hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. However, compliance rates dropped when monitoring was stopped, highlighting the need for a broader strategy to sustain improvement.
Researchers will field test breath markers in high-malaria areas Malawi, Bangladesh, and others. The goal is to develop a simple, painless breath test to identify asymptomatic carriers.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab engineered a strain of bacteria that enables a one-pot method for producing advanced biofuels from plant material, simplifying the production process and potentially lowering costs. The breakthrough could help make biofuels a viable competitor to fossil fuels.
A new study finds that acidification can make low oxygen even more deadly for fish, forcing them to use coping mechanisms at higher oxygen levels. This doubles the threat, as fish are also vulnerable to predators and equilibrium loss when exposed to both stressors.
Fred Trotter, a healthcare journalist and author, has been awarded the Health Data Liberator award for his work in liberating health data. His efforts have led to the release of multiple datasets to help researchers, journalists, and companies provide data-backed healthcare solutions.
Research finds TB transmission in mongooses occurs through social behavior, with scent marks and urine allowing pathogen spread. Smaller social groups are most threatened by the disease.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to modulating synapses using graphene flakes, which buffer activity without acting on the brain or neurosurgery. The method is selective for excitatory synapses and could be used to target certain diseases with non-invasive treatments.
A review of scientific literature found that only 8% of student athletes who experienced hazing labeled the behavior as such. Meanwhile, 71% reported negative consequences, including physical and psychological issues. Experts stress the importance of educating athletes to distinguish between hazing and positive team building.
A novel intraocular therapy has been shown to prevent or reverse diabetic retinopathy in mice by increasing ACE-2 expression. The study found that the therapy reduced pro-inflammatory cells and reversed vascular degeneration, suggesting a potential new treatment for blindness and other vascular diseases.
The US saw a significant loss of honey bee colonies, with commercial and small-scale beekeepers losing 44.1% of their colonies over the course of the year. The main cause of these losses is the varroa mite, which can easily spread between colonies.
Researchers at University of Chicago have developed a new device that captures trapped electrons and manipulates them using superconducting quantum circuits. The team successfully holds electrons in place for up to 12 hours, leveraging the unique properties of liquid helium to isolate individual electrons.
Two patients with liver metastasis from melanoma survived for at least 8.5 and 12 years after receiving patient-specific immunotherapeutic vaccines. The vaccines were derived from the patients' own dendritic cells loaded with proteins isolated from their tumors. Co-Editor-in-Chief Donald J. Buchsbaum, PhD, describes these results as
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that excessive alcohol use can accelerate liver damage in people living with hepatitis C. The research suggests that comprehensive approaches to care are needed for these patients, including increased diagnosis and effective interventions to reduce alcohol use.
Researchers project a fourfold increase in fire probability by century's end, with tundra and forest-tundra boundary most vulnerable. Increased fires could release stored carbon into atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
Researchers presented findings from the SOCRATES trial, which tested ticagrelor against aspirin for reducing further strokes. The study showed that ticagrelor did not significantly reduce second strokes or death. In contrast, a lower dose of intravenous rtPA reduced serious brain bleeding by two-thirds and improved survival rates. Addi...
Scientists have successfully enhanced reaction velocity constants for proteins turning into toxic substances by 1,000 times using ultrasonic irradiation. This breakthrough can be applied to early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at George Washington University have developed a new system using optogenetics to control human heart cells, enabling the fast testing of potential new drugs. The technique can test 30,000 cells in under 10 minutes, streamlining a primarily manual process and reducing timeline from hours or years to minutes.
A new study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques shows that robotic video-assisted lung resection achieves comparable outcomes to conventional VATS and preserves more healthy lung tissue. The robotic approach allows for fewer conversions to open thoracotomy and more lymph nodes retrieved for testing.
A study by the University of Cincinnati's James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy uses mathematical modeling to predict chemical compound behavior in biological tissues, such as skin. This approach enables researchers to test cosmetic or consumer products virtually, reducing the need for animal testing.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have devised a method to selectively deliver drugs to a pregnant woman's placenta without harming the foetus. This breakthrough could help prevent some premature births and treat conditions such as pre-eclampsia by improving placental function and benefiting the growing baby.
A new study suggests that statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, can reduce the burden of infection in Lyme disease reservoir hosts, potentially leading to a decrease in human cases. Researchers hope to modify statins to primarily affect the survival of Lyme disease bacteria.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered a crucial mechanism underlying the contractile structures in both hearts and skeletal muscles. The study reveals how Chd4/NuRD acts as a molecular key to shut down one muscle program in another, leading to hybrid striated muscles that can cause severe myocardiopathies and polymyositis-type myopathies.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that repeat ketamine infusions decreased and, for some, eliminated suicidal thoughts in outpatients with treatment-resistant depression. Seven participants achieved complete remission of suicidal thoughts, and two maintained remission throughout the follow-up period.
Scientists have developed a system that can efficiently transfer electrical energy between separated circuits using metamaterials. This breakthrough enables wireless charging of mobile devices at longer distances than current technology.
The northern Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf are home to the largest shark biomass reported to date, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, excessive fishing has reduced reef fish abundance, highlighting the need for strong enforcement of the new marine sanctuary.
The BMJ OnExamination tool helps overseas nurses prepare for the NMC's Test of Competence, a mandatory computer-based test. After passing the test, they can register with the NMC and practice in the UK.
Researchers have developed low-cost temperature sensors to help local authorities make targeted gritting decisions. The sensors can detect significant temperature differences across a county, enabling localized decisions about when and where to apply salt, potentially saving £100 million per year.
Stem cells can be stimulated to produce special cartilage that aids in repairing severely broken bones. Cartilage production helps bridge larger gaps and even transforms into bone throughout the lesion.
A recent study found that junk food diets can cause significant damage to the kidneys, similar to type 2 diabetes. The research used animal models and found that certain glucose transporters were present in higher numbers in rats with type 2 diabetes, but also increased after consuming high-fat or junk food diets.
Researchers used pharmacologic modeling and simulation to calculate optimal drug doses for a clinical trial of ependymoma patients. The approach led to the development of a successful phase I clinical trial with a recommended dose of 500mg/m2 body surface area administered weekly.
Researchers discovered a new factor in seizure escalation: estrogen synthesis in the brain. Aromatase inhibitors showed promise in suppressing seizures without negative side effects, promising a novel therapeutic approach.
A study published in JAMA found that the BMI value associated with lowest all-cause mortality has increased by 3.3 points over three decades, from 1976-1978 to 2003-2013. The risk for all-cause mortality decreased among obese individuals, with an optimal BMI of 27 or greater found in recent cohorts.
Research associates BPD with higher rates of STI/HIV transmission and multiple partnerships, particularly fear of abandonment and impulsivity symptoms. The study highlights the need for proper assessment and diagnosis of BPD to develop targeted interventions for this population.
The discovery of the world's oldest-known axe in Australia pushes back the date of hafted axes by thousands of years. Early Aboriginal technology was not as simple as previously thought, with evidence suggesting it developed in Australia after people arrived around 50,000 years ago.
A new study from University of Pennsylvania researchers found that proper nutrition during childhood has a positive impact on social behaviors and development. The study analyzed 1,795 3-year-old children in Mauritius and found that those with better nutritional status had improved social behavior and cognitive function.
Researchers found that long-term PPI use damages blood vessel cells by accelerating biological aging and impairing acid production. The study suggests that PPIs may not be suitable for extended treatment and highlights the need for re-evaluation of their safety and specificity.
NJIT's TAB program provides free technical assistance to East Coast communities, prioritizing contaminated sites and developing grant proposals. The new $3 million grant expands the program into the Southeast, helping hundreds of communities across the Eastern US over five years.
Indian researchers have conducted analyses to electrically increase liquid flow in pump-free microfluidic devices. By implementing an electric field component, they can enhance on-the-fly controllability of the flow rate, aiding studies on targeted drug delivery and biophysical fluid transport.
Researchers found that HDL is not uniformly predictive of cardiovascular risk, with triglycerides and LDL modifying the incidence of CVD in both low- and high-level HDL. High levels of LDL or TG can increase cardiovascular risk by 30-60% compared to isolated low HDL.
Researchers found that individuals with schizophrenia have impaired ability to process visual and touch stimuli, leading to distorted perception of reality. The study's findings suggest a new way to identify the disease at an early stage, potentially allowing for earlier intervention.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that lab-made stem cells often retain errors in DNA folding, leading to incomplete differentiation into adult cells. The team suggests ways to minimize these errors and has developed high-resolution maps of genome folding in iPS cells.
A new study found that parental depression is linked to increased brain activity in areas responsible for risk taking in adolescent children, leading to more rule-breaking behaviors. The study suggests that even mild depressive symptoms in parents can influence teens' behavior through changes in the brain's response to rewards.
A study by Dr Sian Taylor-Phillips and her team found no decline in mammogram readers' accuracy, despite previous theories suggesting a 'vigilance decrement.' The researchers analyzed 1.2 million women's x-rays and found that cancer detection rates stayed constant throughout each batch of approximately 35 readings.
A major global study has identified a safer treatment for acute stroke, revealing that a modified dosage of the controversial clot-busting drug rtPA can significantly reduce serious bleeding in the brain while improving survival rates. The trial involved over 3,000 patients in 100 hospitals worldwide and showed promising results.
A study led by the University of Birmingham found that delays in diagnosis of more than 10 years have been reported in Brazil. The research also indicates that reducing social stigma could encourage sufferers to seek early treatment for leprosy.
Researchers identified a novel tuberculosis pathogen, Mycobacterium mungi, transmitted through environmental urine and anal gland secretions in banded mongooses. This discovery radically changes the understanding of TB transmission, with implications for wildlife and livestock health.
Two new studies published in The Lancet find no association between weekend senior doctor staffing levels and mortality, instead highlighting variations in quality of care throughout the week. Researchers suggest that policies to address weekend quality of care alone represent a major oversimplification of the problem.
A new mouse model of a genetically-linked type of autism has been developed to study the role of genes in the disorder and its underlying brain changes. The researchers found that targeting a specific brain receptor could ease repetitive behaviors and improve learning in some animals.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a reliable marker (PDGFRβ) to detect carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in oral cancer tissues. This finding could lead to the development of more effective cancer therapies by combining anti-PDGFRβ treatment with existing tumor treatments.
Researchers discovered a protein, EPYC1, that enables green algae to efficiently capture CO2 from the air. This finding is crucial for harnessing algae's power in agriculture, which could enhance crop yields by up to 60%.
Researchers found that participants who took acetaminophen rated others' pain as less severe and showed reduced empathy in various social scenarios. The study suggests that the popular painkiller may blunt not only physical but also emotional responses to others' misfortunes.
Research found chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) accelerates vascular aging in humans, leading to increased cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, and renal failure. PPIs like esomeprazole are widely used but not approved for long-term use.
A new study by Michigan State University examines how successful US police departments clear more homicides. Departments that achieve this goal work closely with the community, adopt modern investigative tools, and employ a team approach to investigations.
Researchers discovered that high-pressure environments in solid tumors, fueled by hyaluronic acid, hinder drug delivery. Treatment with an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid can restore vessel expansion and improve treatment outcomes for drug-resistant cancers.
A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that common measures of hospital safety do not accurately capture quality care, with only one out of 21 measures meeting scientific criteria. The researchers argue that patients deserve valid measures of quality and safety, and call for public rating systems to use clinical rather than billing ...
Despite a significant increase in telemedicine visits, only 0.7% of rural Medicare beneficiaries received a telemedicine visit in 2013, according to a study published in JAMA. The majority of visits were for mental health conditions, and rural beneficiaries who received telemedicine were more likely to be younger or have disabilities.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells can escape the immune system by disabling the NLRC5 gene, which regulates MHC class I genes. This finding provides a new biomarker for predicting cancer patient survival and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have developed a nanoblade that can slice through cell membranes to insert mitochondria, with successful transfer rates of up to 2%. This technology holds promise for studying mitochondrial diseases and advancing fields like infectious diseases research.