A UCLA-Caltech study has pinpointed the individual neurons in the brain that support observational learning, a skill essential for human decision-making. The research team discovered that these neurons fire in response to schadenfreude, the pleasure of seeing someone else make a mistake.
Women who undergo gastric bypass surgery for weight loss may give birth to babies with lower average birth weights due to nutrient deficiencies. The study found that 23% of newborns were small for their gestational age and had lower levels of key nutrients like calcium and zinc.
A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that a misinterpretation of brain function has hindered the development of effective treatments for fear and anxiety disorders. The researchers propose a new framework that recognizes the distinction between conscious feelings and behavioral/physiological responses.
A team of Chinese researchers characterized the 'mobile resistome,' a network of easily transferred antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, including humans and animals. The study found that these genes are shared among multiple human pathogens and can be disabling for six major classes of antibiotics.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that training oncologists and their patients to have high-quality discussions improves communication and leads to more clinically meaningful conversations. Despite the focused efforts, shared understanding about prognosis was lacking among patients.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a versatile method to pattern functionalized nanowires using structure-controllable amyloid peptides. The technique achieved a 67% tandem yield and showed geometrical patterns that can be controlled by adjusting the peptide mix ratio.
Researchers have made new insights into the underlying mechanisms of cystic fibrosis, a deadly genetic disorder affecting the lungs and other organs. The study reveals how estrogen disrupts ion transport in patients with CF, leading to more severe symptoms and shorter life expectancy for women.
A novel TAVI device has been developed to replace heart valves in patients with rheumatic heart disease, offering a simplified approach that does not require advanced cardiac surgical facilities or sophisticated cardiovascular imaging. The procedure can be performed without rapid ventricular pacing, making it more tolerable for patients.
Researchers from Aalto University have made a breakthrough in controlling the motion of multiple objects on a vibrating plate using acoustic sources. They can simultaneously move up to six objects towards desired targets by playing carefully constructed melodies.
A new computational imaging method identifies letters printed on the first 9 pages of a stack of paper, demonstrating the feasibility of reading closed books. The MIT system exploits the unique properties of terahertz radiation to penetrate surfaces and analyze materials in thin layers.
Researchers have discovered 'spatiotemporal optical vortices,' or STOVs, which are 3-D ring structures generated by high-intensity lasers. These structures have the potential to manipulate particles moving at the speed of light and may be useful for designing powerful microscopes and more efficient telecommunication lines.
A University of Vermont-led team analyzed over 7,000 geotagged photos to calculate the economic impact of conserved lands on tourism in Vermont. The study found that these lands contributed significantly to the state's tourism industry between 2007-2014.
New technologies can assist in protecting older adults from financial fraud, including transactions via wearable technologies and bank cards with chip-and-signature security features. Professionals should be trained to recognize signs of cognitive decline and help clients plan for the possibility of future impairment.
Katerina Akassoglou, a Gladstone Senior Investigator, has been awarded a $5.8M NINDS grant to advance her research on the role of brain's vascular and immune systems in neurological diseases. The grant will enable her lab to pursue innovative solutions for devastating conditions like multiple sclerosis.
A research team has discovered that male animals trigger female reproduction through their chemical signals, which also hasten females' aging process. The study found two distinct signals produced by males that affect female physiology, with one causing earlier puberty and the other slowing down aging.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich successfully measured base-pair bonding strength for the first time on single base pairs. The results may help understand mechanical aspects of biological processes and aid in constructing precise molecular machines out of DNA.
A recent study found that young adults who experienced negative interactions on Facebook were at a significantly higher risk of depression. The study, which controlled for various confounding factors, found that bullying and unwanted contacts were associated with elevated risks of depressive symptoms.
A new study found that prisons can drive down hepatitis C prevalence and help reach global WHO elimination goals by providing a unique environment for treatment and addressing risk behaviors. Introducing prevention programs in prisons and amongst individuals transitioning back to the community could significantly reduce infections.
Scientists have reclassified giraffes into four distinct species based on genetic analysis, revealing new insights into their biology and conservation needs. The study highlights the urgent need for protection efforts to safeguard these endangered animals in Africa.
Researchers found that synchronizing collective memories through conversation leads to similar recall and forgetting patterns within groups. This phenomenon, known as mnemonic convergence, is influenced by both individual recall and group interactions.
A new study in New Zealand found that higher stocking rates per grazing area led to less nitrogen leached to groundwater, contradicting the notion that more cows result in increased leaching. The experiment showed a decline in NO3-N leached per hectare with increasing stocking rate and decreasing nitrogen intake and output per cow.
Researchers at Drexel University discovered that a few-atoms-thin titanium carbide material called MXene can effectively block electromagnetic radiation. The material's high electrical conductivity and two-dimensional structure make it ideal for shielding devices without adding significant weight.
Research by the University of Kent found that elite British swimmers are nine times more likely to have asthma-related breathing problems than boxers. The study suggests optimising airway health for swimmers may lead to improved performance in the pool, and recreational swimming can enhance asthma control.
A new study by Scripps Institution of Oceanography has discovered that large earthquakes on one fault can trigger large aftershocks on separate faults within minutes. This finding has significant implications for earthquake-prone regions like California, where complex fault systems may lead to mega-earthquakes.
The FRAUDAR algorithm identifies over 4,000 suspicious Twitter accounts, including those using follower-buying services. The method sees through camouflage to reveal legitimate users from fraudulent ones.
A team of Stanford University School of Medicine researchers discovered a critical defect that precedes the death of nerve cells in Parkinson's disease, impairing mitochondria function. This finding may lead to earlier diagnoses and new treatment approaches for the condition.
Biologists call for global data collection to improve model predictions for species response to climate change, citing a lack of key biological mechanisms and data as the main obstacle. A globally coordinated effort could greatly advance improvements in models and informed conservation approaches.
Researchers suggest adjusting dam operations to mitigate negative impacts on river ecosystems, such as hydropeaking. Small changes can have significant effects downstream, benefiting fish and other organisms. Strategic planning for new dam construction is also crucial to minimize environmental degradation.
A new scanning technique produces extremely high-res 3D images of bones without exposing patients to X-ray radiation. The technique uses biologically safe nanoagents that target calcium-rich surfaces in damaged bones, providing detailed blueprints of weakness or injury.
Researchers discovered a newly discovered stress response pathway that relies on fat molecules to mediate cellular health, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that certain types of fat may protect against brain disease by preventing protein aggregates.
A five-year study has identified 30 inherited genes linked to intellectual disability, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 213 million worldwide. The discovery could lead to DNA screenings and personalized therapeutic protocols to improve intellectual function.
A new study published in Cell found that providing nutrients to mice with viral infections can help them survive, while those with bacterial infections die when fed. The researchers discovered that the brain's metabolic needs differ depending on the type of infection, which may have implications for designing clinical trials.
Research suggests corticosteroids may impair healthy pregnancy, increasing risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects. Women taking these drugs during pregnancy have a 64% increase in miscarriage and a 3-4 times greater risk of cleft palate.
A new thesis developed by David Núñez proposes ways for smart appliances to improve their relationship with users through social networks. The research focuses on predicting trust, recommendation systems, and maximizing influence in these networks.
A new study by John Jay College's PRISM program reveals that undergraduate research experiences lead to nearly tripled graduation rates among science majors and a significant increase in students pursuing graduate degrees and STEM careers. The program has also improved student pipeline to post-graduate professional careers in STEM fields.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory capture atomic and electronic arrangements within a metalloporphyrin molecule using ultrafast X-rays. The study reveals an extremely short-lived transient state that lasts only a few hundred femtoseconds, which is crucial for the development of solar fuels.
Researchers find Gli1 positive stem cells, which can become smooth muscle cells, bone-building osteoblasts, and other connective tissues, contribute to vascular calcification. The study provides insights into the active process behind calcified blood vessels in chronic kidney disease.
Researchers have identified a drug target that shows promise in improving social interaction in individuals with some forms of autism spectrum disorder. The breakthrough comes from a study using a new mouse model that reveals the molecular underpinnings of ASD-related behavior and brain physiology.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant relationship between stress levels and poor quality of life in medical center employees. The researchers emphasize the importance of engaging employees into wellness programs to reduce burnout and improve overall well-being.
A new study found that teens are 15% less likely to select sugary beverages with health warning labels. The study, led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, suggests that warning labels can educate adolescents about the dangers of sugar-sweetened drinks and contribute to healthier choices.
The European Research Council has awarded €485 million in grants to 325 early-career researchers across Europe. These grants will enable them to pursue innovative ideas, including improving cancer treatment and developing sustainable hydrogen fuel.
A new study estimates that human hookworm infection results in over 4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, with China facing up to $6.7 billion in productivity losses annually. The infection is estimated to cost between $7.5 billion and $138.9 billion in productivity losses worldwide.
Catastrophic declines in wilderness areas have occurred globally over the last two decades, with almost 10% of the world's land area lost. The Amazon and Central Africa have been severely impacted, highlighting the need for international policies to protect remaining wilderness.
A study published in JCI Insight found that age-related reductions of microRNA-155 may underlie age-associated hypertension. Mice lacking mineralocorticoid receptors in smooth muscle cells were protected from developing high blood pressure as they aged, and restoration of miR-155 improved blood pressure parameters.
The European region is the most skeptical about vaccine safety, with seven countries ranking low in confidence. A global survey of nearly 66,000 people across 67 countries found that public trust in vaccines is precarious and influenced by concerns over side effects and scientific debates.
The Lancet review highlights the importance of statin therapy in preventing cardiovascular disease. Lowering cholesterol by 2 mmol/L with a low-cost statin can prevent major cardiovascular events in patients with pre-existing vascular disease or those at increased risk.
Researchers developed a technology to generate mouse models quickly testing and tweaking potential HIV vaccines. The goal is to create broadly neutralizing antibodies able to fight any mutant HIV strain, which would be the 'holy grail' of AIDS vaccines.
A recent study found that none of the 20 YMCA-operated after-school programs in South Carolina met all five Healthy Eating standards. The programs served fruits and vegetables on a greater number of days, but were deficient in serving whole grains, water, and limiting sugar-sweetened beverages.
A new special issue in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry presents updated research on borderline personality disorder (BPD), emphasizing improved diagnosis and management. The article highlights key findings, including neurobiological models, early intervention strategies, and evidence-based treatments for BPD.
Researchers discovered that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activates SIRT6 to repair broken DNA strands. The study found that JNK modifies a specific amino acid residue on SIRT6, allowing it to recruit the enzyme PARP1 to damaged sites.
Researchers used the DecNef technique to associate neutral faces with positive or negative feelings in volunteers, resulting in changes in facial preferences. The study suggests that the cingulate cortex is involved in handling both sides of emotion, leading to significant changes in ratings for faces rated as positive or negative.
Researchers found that genetic alterations causing congenital heart defects involve interactions between heart-forming tissues and the rest of the body. The study suggests that heart defects occur when the heart does not grow quickly enough to meet the demands of the developing body.
Researchers found that platelet α6β1 integrin promotes interactions between tumor cells and platelets, leading to decreased lung metastasis in mice. Antibody-mediated blockade of α6β1 integrin inhibited tumor metastasis in murine models of breast cancer and melanoma.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have shown how a complex mix of plant compounds derived from ancient clinical practice in China kills cancer cells. The study characterised the molecular action of a Traditional Chinese Medicine, finding that it alters cell cycle regulation to push cancer cells down the death pathway.
A new study reveals that certain ants can rely solely on optic flow to find their way back to their nest when lost. This unique system allows them to calculate distance independently of their internal odometer mechanism, giving them two navigation systems.
The OPTIMISTIC study aims to improve care and communication within nursing facilities and between them and acute-care institutions. The program focuses on early detection and prevention of problems such as medication errors and delayed recognition of changes in medical status, resulting in reduced health decline and hospitalization.
A landmark study published in eLife reveals that trisomy 21 consistently activates the interferon response, leading to increased interferon-stimulated genes and lower protein synthesis. This discovery has significant implications for understanding Down syndrome and its characteristic features.
A research team has identified mutations responsible for midline craniosynostosis, a type of skull-fusion disorder that affects the top of the skull. The study found that rare genetic variants in one gene interact with common changes near another gene to cause the disorder.
A Loyola Medicine study found female triathletes experience high rates of stress urinary and anal incontinence, with nearly a quarter also screening positive for the female athlete triad. Researchers highlight the need for women to seek medical care if symptoms persist.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected cold cloud top temperatures near minus 27.6 degrees Fahrenheit over Arizona and New Mexico. The post-tropical cyclone's remnants brought heavy downpours, causing flash flooding and mudslides, as the storm weakened overnight.