Behavioral economists develop theoretical model explaining humans' drive to make sense of lives and worlds, influencing curiosity, boredom, confirmation bias, and decision-making. The model also sheds light on phenomena like political polarization and emotionally charged beliefs.
Researchers from 39 institutions worldwide analyzed 91 samples of adrenocortical carcinoma, uncovering double the number of genetic drivers known to fuel adrenal cancer. The study also identified three distinct subtypes of adrenal cancer linked to different outcomes, suggesting a way to use molecular biomarkers for targeted therapy.
A recent study by University of Florida researchers found that athletes who delayed reporting a concussion experienced longer recovery times. The study analyzed data from the University of Florida Concussion Databank and discovered that these athletes missed an average of five more days to receive medical clearance to return to play.
Experts emphasize the importance of social sciences in developing effective energy and climate change policies, citing a need for policies that account for real people and organizations. The research highlights the potential of simple actions by households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in ACM CHI '16 found that processing information on digital versus non-digital platforms affects construal levels, with digital platforms leading to more concrete thinking. Participants scored higher on concrete questions and lower on abstract questions when reading on digital platforms.
A large-scale study of Super Storm Sandy's utility damage found that 'small' failures accounted for more than half the outage impact, defeating traditional repair strategies. The research suggests that prioritizing repairs to substations and other major facilities is not effective in restoring service quickly.
Researchers have discovered a remarkable new species of marine reptile that lived during the Triassic Period. Atopodentatus unicus was an herbivore with a hammerhead-shaped jaw apparatus and used its teeth to filter-feed on plants from the ocean floor.
A large analysis of medical records in Sweden found that men taking testosterone therapy for over a year had no increased risk of prostate cancer and, in fact, had their risk reduced by 50 percent. The study's findings suggest that balancing testosterone levels within a normal range may be key to protecting against aggressive disease.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a compact system that rapidly diagnoses bacterial infections in under two hours, bringing testing to the point of care. The PAD system uses genetic testing and optical components to identify key pathogens, offering improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Researchers have developed a technology allowing them to visualize single molecules of messenger RNA as they are translated into proteins in living mammalian cells. Initial findings suggest that this may shed light on neurological diseases such as Fragile X Syndrome and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer.
A retrospective study found that young women undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome experience higher rates of adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding risks compared to men. The study highlights the importance of objectively assessing all risk factors when prescribing antiplatelet therapy.
The article reviews national and international guidelines for folic acid supplementation, analyzing its potential risks and benefits on maternal and fetal outcomes. Folic acid is known to prevent neural tube defects, but its effects on other pregnancy outcomes are controversial.
The algorithms enable a computer to act like a human when encountering an unknown word, looking up words in a dictionary and associating them with context. This development paves the way for computers to perform tasks such as translating texts, summarizing articles, and finding similar documents
A new simulator is being developed to help individuals and families select the most suitable health insurance plans based on realistic cost estimates and potential healthcare outcomes. The simulator combines buyer-specific information with bespoke databases, producing transparent output that enables informed decision-making.
Research team led by Loïc Pellissier showed that continental plate movement drove the evolution of new species in coral reefs. The study used computer models and combined different simulations to demonstrate how shallow and warm waters were located throughout Earth history, giving corals a habitat.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 24,000 mothers and their children found that excess pregnancy weight gain and elevated blood sugar increase the risk of childhood obesity, even in normal-weight babies. Children whose mothers had gestational diabetes were at highest risk, with a 30% increased likelihood of being overweight or obese.
Researchers found that patients treated with as-needed blood thinners and regular pulse monitoring had lower stroke risk compared to those taking long-term anticoagulation medications. The study showed minimal bleeding incidents and no strokes or transient ischemic attacks among participants.
A newly discovered enantiornithine bird from the Early Cretaceous period in China provides the oldest unambiguous record of an avian gastric pellet. The fossilized remains include a fish-rich pellet, suggesting that some Early Cretaceous birds had evolved modern avian digestive features.
Researchers have developed minihepcidins, synthetic peptides that regulate iron absorption, to treat two genetic blood diseases. The compound normalizes red blood cell levels and reduces spleen enlargement in animal models of thalassemia and polycythemia vera.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that 86.7% of children aged 6-8 opted for fries over apples when the apples were the default option. The researchers suggest offering smaller portions of fries with apples as a more realistic solution to encourage healthier eating habits.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have developed a novel, inexpensive method for detecting the Zika virus that could help slow its spread. The system uses a simple modular workflow comprising three steps: amplification, detection, and strain identification.
New research from the University of Oxford used bacteria to show that acquiring duplicate copies of genes can provide a template for developing new traits. Gene duplication has been proposed as playing a key role in innovation since the 1970s, but these findings add important empirical evidence to support this theory.
The Fort McMurray wildfire in Alberta, Canada, is still burning intensely, with smoke and heat detectable by satellite. Suomi NPP's VIIRS instrument captured daytime images on May 5, showing hotspots indicating the location of fires, while nighttime images on May 6 revealed the fire at night, with smoke appearing light gray.
Researchers at TGen and ASU have discovered three microRNAs associated with the regeneration of tails in green anole lizards. These tiny RNA switches may play a role in regenerating muscles, cartilage, and spinal columns, potentially leading to new therapies for humans.
A large observational study demonstrated that moderate sedation use is linked to better patient outcomes for TAVR patients. Moderate sedation was found to reduce 30-day mortality rates by 23% and shorten hospital stays by approximately 1 day compared to general anesthesia.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found a clear link between higher sea surface salinity levels and increased rainfall on land in the African Sahel. By analyzing global salinity and rainfall data, they discovered that high springtime salinity levels correlate significantly with increased monsoon-season rainfall in the ...
Vaping has become the new drug of choice among teens who are unaware of its dangers and risks, according to UB addictions expert Nancy Campbell-Heider. Screening early can stage interventions before vaping leads to other tobacco products.
Scientists reveal new insights into a crocodile-sized sea-dwelling reptile that lived 242 million years ago in southern China. The 'hammerhead' creature, Atopodentatus unicus, used its unique jaw to scrape and filter-feed on plants from the ocean floor.
A recent study found that testosterone therapy improved erectile function and intercourse satisfaction in men with severe hypogonadism, a condition often associated with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that trials of testosterone therapy should last at least 6 months for optimal results.
Researchers found that PAD patients taking high-dose statins had a 33% lower risk of amputation and 29% lower risk of death compared to those taking no statins. Low-to-moderate dose statin users also showed significant reductions in these risks, with benefits evident across different statin doses.
Tufts researchers have discovered that applying an ultra-thin silk coating can extend the shelf life of delicate fruits like strawberries and bananas. The biocompatible coating slows down fruit respiration, extends firmness, and prevents decay.
Researchers discuss zebrafish as a model system for studying normal hematopoiesis and blood disorders. The review highlights the knowledge gained from studies of zebrafish, including large-scale forward genetic screens and modeling of human genes to create transgenic zebrafish.
A new study suggests that a sonic net around airfields can prevent collisions between birds and aircraft, reducing the number of birds in the area by 80%. The noise levels emitted are equivalent to those of a conversation in a busy restaurant, deterring bird species at high risk of strike such as starlings.
MSU scientists identified disrupted neuromuscular synaptic function as the underlying cause of motor dysfunction in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). This discovery offers new avenues for gene therapy targeting muscle tissue.
New research identifies C-reactive protein as a potential biomarker for post-operative delirium, enabling preventive measures to safeguard patient health. Increased CRP levels before and after surgery are linked to higher risk of developing delirium.
Researchers found that hot dust in the distant universe is often caused by three or four galaxies instead of a single one. This study applied statistical methods to data from the Herschel Space Observatory and dropped the number of stars these galaxies have to be producing by a third.
Researchers studied 5812 children from five continents to determine if lunar phases affect sleep duration, with a significant 1% decrease in full moon nights. The study found no substantial impact on behavior, contrary to folklore and myths.
A commentary in the journal Gastroenterology argues that current policy harms low-income patients by not waiving their share of coverage costs for screening. The authors recommend waiving coinsurance and copay for diagnostic procedures associated with screening, as well as value-based and evidence-based benefit design.
A new study reveals vast differences in treatment recommendations among physicians for brain hemorrhage patients. The variation was found to be influenced by factors such as the physician's specialty and experience with the condition. Researchers recommend that clinicians consider these variations when communicating with families, as i...
A new paper-based test developed at MIT and other institutions can diagnose Zika virus infection within a few hours. The test distinguishes Zika from the similar dengue virus, making it potentially practical for widespread use.
A new study provides proof of principle for safe and targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta during pregnancy. The discovery could prevent premature births and treat complications like preeclampsia by bolstering the placenta's function.
A team of collaborators has developed a cell-free, paper-based diagnostic platform for detecting the Zika virus. The platform uses toehold sensors and isothermal RNA amplification to provide rapid, low-cost, and programmable diagnostics.
Researchers developed a new technique using ocean waves and seismic vibrations to monitor ice sheet volume changes, which may help scientists identify vulnerable regions. The technique has been shown to have high precision and can be used continuously, unlike traditional methods that only gather data several times a year.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in predicting weather and climate change by studying the fundamental thermodynamics of water droplets. Understanding how water droplets grow and interact with each other can help improve weather forecasts, but also has industrial relevance and applications.
A study of worldwide sleep patterns combines math modeling, mobile apps and big data to parse the roles society and biology each play in setting sleep schedules. Cultural pressures can override natural circadian rhythms, with effects showing up most markedly at bedtime.
Researchers developed a software tool called DefSense that enables non-experts to create deformable objects with deformation-sensing functionality. The tool optimizes sensor layouts based on user-defined deformations, allowing for customized input devices.
Researchers found that Zika virus activates the innate immune receptor TLR3, which leads to cell death in neural stem cells. However, inhibiting TLR3 helps infected cells survive and function normally.
Researchers have discovered how Zika virus blunts brain development by hijacking the human immune system. The study found that activating a specific protein called TLR3 triggers genes that block stem cell differentiation and lead to increased cell suicide.
Researchers found that moderate sedation leads to better clinical outcomes, including lower 30-day mortality and shorter hospital stays, compared to general anesthesia. The study of over 10,997 patients suggests that moderate sedation is both safe and effective for TAVR procedures.
A Phase 1 clinical trial shows that an antibody-based drug can stimulate patients' immune response, enabling them to make new or better antibodies against HIV. The researchers also found that the antibody was able to engage immune cells and accelerate their clearance of HIV-infected cells.
A study of elite Paralympic athletes with cerebral palsy found that exercise improves bone mineral density, but reduces muscle mass on the affected side. The research suggests that high levels of exercise from a young age may be beneficial to individuals with CP.
A CSU-led team has identified strategies to improve global food accessibility while reducing agriculture's environmental impacts. The study highlights the importance of integrated food system approaches, such as increasing legumes in crop production practices and improving women's access to resources.
Researchers investigate the interaction of nucleotide chains with metallic nanoparticles in carbon nanotubes using hybrid molecular dynamics simulation methods. The study highlights the potential of these systems for designing electronic diagnostic tools and drug delivery systems.
A deadly fungus has been found to be threatening African frog species, with at least five species declining due to chytrid and habitat destruction. Climate change may also be exacerbating the issue.
A study of TAVR patients using different anticoagulation medications found comparable survival and vascular complication rates between men and women. However, a trend was observed that women given bivalirudin experienced less mortality, warranting further investigation.
A study of over 23,000 patients found that women had a lower risk of comorbidities and experienced fewer vascular complications in-hospital after TAVR. Despite this, women's one-year survival rate was still higher than men's.
Researchers have identified Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease as Christina Olson's condition, which led to her loss of mobility and hand use. The diagnosis was made by Marc Patterson after reviewing her medical history and Andrew Wyeth's artwork depicting her.
Physicists have detected a long-sought excitation state in an isotope of thorium, which could enhance atomic clock accuracy by a factor of ten. The discovery brings researchers closer to developing a working nuclear clock, with potential benefits including improved precision and resistance to external influences.
A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics investigated the effects of a steroid treatment on children with ARDS, finding improved ventilation and blood oxygenation without affecting mortality rates. The study identified key biomarkers associated with lung inflammation and injury, paving the way for targeted treatment development.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a rapid and portable test for Zika virus that can detect the virus in serum or saliva samples at lower concentrations than previously possible. The test has the potential to improve upon key limitations of currently available options and enable mass monitoring of outbreaks.