Researchers sampled radiocesium at 8 beaches up to 100 km from Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, finding highest levels in brackish groundwater beneath the beaches. The concentrations do not pose public health risks but have implications for nuclear power plant management.
Scientists have successfully tracked an electron leaving the vicinity of an atom as it absorbs light, allowing for the classification of quantum mechanical behavior of electrons from different atoms. The breakthrough could eventually lead to controlling electrons' behavior inside matter and creating new states of matter.
A new national report provides comprehensive guidelines for innovative water-saving techniques, emphasizing safe expansion of water reuse systems. Decentralized non-potable water systems, which use local water sources, are highlighted as a promising approach to reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent.
Researchers studied HIV drug combinations to understand why some drugs act synergistically while others do not. They found that virus protein mutations and host cell receptor density affect synergy, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers found skipping breakfast associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and poorer cardiometabolic health. Participants who skipped breakfast had higher waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels.
Researchers aim to develop a new model incorporating environmental and neighborhood-level characteristics to better predict major cardiovascular disease. The project will include over 200,000 patients' electronic health records and neighborhood-level information.
A Johns Hopkins study of firearm-related injuries found decreasing incidence in some age groups, increasing trends in others, and higher costs for gunshot wounds. Firearm injuries are also linked to mental health disorders, with attempted suicides having the highest incidence among Medicare enrollees.
Researchers found that bilingual brains rely more on native language processes when learning a new language, but learn it faster. This study supports the hypothesis that early bilingualism is beneficial for language learners in later life.
Researchers detected Freon-40, a stable organohalogen molecule, around infant star system IRAS 16293-2422 and comet 67P/C-G using ALMA and Rosetta. This finding suggests that organohalogens may be an important element in the origin of life, rather than indicators of existing life.
Scientists have discovered a way to create and control skyrmions at will in specific locations, paving the way for a new form of data storage. This breakthrough enables the storage of vast amounts of data in a tiny area, potentially extending Moore's Law.
Researchers used a mathematical model to determine how cone cells in zebrafish arrange themselves into specific patterns. Small defects in the patterns lead to only one of two possible arrangements, emerging from differences in adhesion force between cells.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms are associated with difficulties in performing daily activities in older Japanese adults. Symptoms of depression, including loss of interest and feelings of helplessness, can increase the risk of institutionalization and disability.
Researchers compared GM soybean oil to conventional soybean, coconut, and olive oils, finding that GM soybean oil reduces obesity and insulin resistance but causes similar negative effects on diabetes and fatty liver as conventional soybean oil. Olive oil produced identical negative effects to Plenish.
Scientists have discovered a 'chiral spin mode' - a sea of electrons spinning in opposing circles that can transport information with little energy dissipation. This breakthrough paves the way for building novel electronic devices such as computers and processors with reduced energy loss.
Michael W. Young, a Rockefeller University biologist, has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work on circadian rhythm. His research revealed the molecular mechanisms that govern biological clocks, which regulate sleep, eating behavior, and metabolism.
Two Northwestern University studies uncover how egg cells use innovative strategies to detect and prevent division errors, leading to birth defects and miscarriages. The research identifies essential proteins for cell division and a backup process that ensures the correct number of chromosomes is received by the embryo.
Researchers at the University of Limerick have discovered that applying pressure to crystals of lysozyme, a protein found in egg whites and tears, can generate electricity. This finding has significant implications for innovative applications such as electroactive coatings for medical implants.
The University of Pittsburgh has established a new NSF-funded research center, SHREC, to focus on mission-critical computing in space, high-performance computing, and resilient computing. The center aims to bring in $1 million in annual external funding and collaborate with industry partners.
UK researchers found a link between delayed hospital discharges and rising mortality rates, with increased funding needed for the NHS and adult social care to address this issue. The study suggests that each additional day of delay in discharge is associated with an increase in deaths.
A 38-year-old man suffered serious liver damage after using Epsom salts to treat gallstones. He was advised to stop taking the salts and drink plenty of fluids after rapid worsening of fibrosis prompted by excessive salt intake.
D.J. Seo, a UTA professor, will use a $281,790 grant to implement hyper-resolution modeling in the National Water Model, allowing for street-resolving details and more accurate flooding predictions. The resulting model will enable officials to pinpoint specific neighborhoods impacted by flooding.
Researchers found that video game genres impact cognitive training, with strategy games offering unique benefits for memory and processing speed. Strategy games were associated with improved white matter connectivity in brain regions related to memory, while action games were linked to a brain region governing mood.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the cost of compounded medication to prevent preterm births is significantly lower than the brand-name version. The analysis showed that the compounded form costs an average of $206 per pregnancy, compared to $10,917 for the brand-name version.
A study published in Health Affairs found that communication-and-resolution programs significantly improve patient safety while reducing liability costs. The programs, which include apologies and explanations for medical errors, lead to a low percentage of events resulting in lawsuits, with only 5% leading to malpractice claims.
Researchers successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to eliminate the mutated myocilin protein, which led to lowered intraocular pressure and prevented glaucomatous damage in mouse eyes. This breakthrough study could pave the way for a new therapy to treat myocilin glaucoma in humans.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that nearly 40% of physicians hesitate to seek mental health care due to concerns about their medical license. The researchers discovered that states with licensing requirements asking about past mental health conditions have more reluctant physicians.
The NeuBtracker microscope allows for the simultaneous observation of neuronal activity and behavioral responses in zebrafish. This enables researchers to test the effects of substances on both brain activity and behavior, opening up new avenues for drug discovery and metabolic research.
Researchers found that stress reduces our capacity to detect new threats by impairing how well we track and update predictions of potentially dangerous circumstances. Stress also impairs flexibility in decision making, resulting in a slower rate of learning.
A study published by JAMA Network found that recent immigrants in Ontario, Canada, received significantly more aggressive end-of-life care compared to other residents. This disparity was seen in higher rates of intensive care admissions, mechanical ventilation, and dialysis.
A new survey reveals that 21% of adults in the US have personally experienced a medical error, often having lasting impacts on their physical and emotional health. The survey also highlights the importance of patient safety, with most respondents believing patients and families play a role in improving care.
Scientists suggest that life began on Earth when meteorites splashed down and leached essential elements into warm little ponds. The 'warm little ponds' concept has been proven plausible through extensive research and calculations.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that game-based interventions can increase physical activity among adults. In a 12-week clinical trial, participants who engaged with gamification elements showed significant improvements in step goal achievements and average daily steps compared to those in the control group.
Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that pressure can be generated by stacking graphene oxide nanosheets and that this pressure increases with heat treatment. The study found a maximum pressure of 38 x 10^6 Pa, which can be adjusted by changing the heat treatment temperature.
A study published in CMAJ found that financial incentives for physicians to see patients sooner after discharge did not influence their behavior, with no significant improvement in follow-up rates. The incentive program, introduced in Ontario in 2006, aimed to reduce costly readmissions by encouraging early physician follow-up.
A researcher at the University of Pennsylvania will conduct a randomized, controlled study comparing home-based and office-based phototherapy treatments for psoriasis. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these treatments and fill an evidence gap in the treatment of this chronic autoimmune disease.
Researchers discovered a new method to create large crystalline lipid scaffolds with pore sizes five times that of regular lipids. These structures can now support much bigger proteins and encapsulate larger drug molecules than ever before.
Research analyzed medical records of 110 male and 102 female athletes with first-time concussion diagnoses, revealing a median duration of symptoms was 28 days for girls compared to 11 days for boys. Symptoms resolved within three weeks for 75% of boys but only 42% of girls.
Scientists evaluated metagenomics software using international competition benchmarks to assemble, classify, and analyze complex pools of bacterial DNA. The results showed that different algorithms perform better in various contexts, highlighting the need for researchers to choose software based on specific questions.
Plastic surgeons at Maastricht University Medical Center used the Microsure robotic device to perform a super-microsurgical intervention on a patient's lymphedema, the world's first of its kind.
Scientists at Tokyo Tech have reported superconductivity in two types of higher titanium oxides grown as ultrathin films. The materials exhibit a high transition temperature of up to 7.1 K, making them promising for fundamental physics and potential applications in faster computers.
Researchers discovered that activity in dendrites increases during sleep, linked to specific brain waves associated with memory formation. This study could lead to new treatments for learning and memory disorders, such as dementia.
A genetic test developed by UPMC scientists proved highly sensitive in detecting pancreatic cysts associated with aggressive pancreatic cancer. The test, PancreaSeq°, correctly classified patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and identified cysts that would progress to cancer with 100% accuracy.
Rice University scientists have created a new anode material made from asphalt that shows exceptional stability and can bring lithium metal batteries from zero to full charge in just five minutes. The finding has significant implications for high-power density devices, including rapid charging capabilities.
A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that adolescents consuming the least amount of vitamin K1 were at a higher risk for unhealthy enlargement of their heart's major pumping chamber. This association was independent of other factors such as physical activity and blood pressure.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that a significant proportion of South Africans with diabetes do not receive adequate care, with nearly twice the proportion of cases being undiagnosed. The research highlights gaps in screening, diagnosis, treatment, and control of the disease, particularly among adults aged 40-plus.
A new study from the University of British Columbia has linked lower education and income to higher suicide risks among gay and bisexual men. The research found that these individuals have more than five times the odds of attempting suicide compared to their more advantaged peers.
The approved gene therapy Kymriah offers hope for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, its high cost and limited accessibility pose significant challenges for policy-makers and patients alike.
A recent study published in PNAS found that language grammatical structures change more quickly than vocabulary, influenced by contact with unrelated languages. Researchers analyzed 81 Austronesian languages and discovered striking differences in the rates of change between grammar and lexicon.
A new gesture control technology, Matchpoint, allows users to interact with screens by moving everyday objects, such as cups or toys, in front of a webcam. This enables spontaneous spatial coupling, which activates desired functions without requiring calibration or prior knowledge of objects.
Up to two thirds of people with Alzheimer's disease experience psychotic episodes, linked to faster cognitive decline and accelerated death rates. New approaches to clinical trials aim to develop effective non-drug interventions to alleviate symptoms without adverse outcomes.
New research suggests that reducing deforestation and increasing soil carbon sequestration in agriculture can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining or improving food security. This approach has the potential to bring benefits for climate change mitigation while minimizing trade-offs with food security.
The Critically Endangered Cycas wadei population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and fires. Empirical methods were used to determine the structure and density of the population, highlighting deficiencies in potassium in the soils as a major resource constraint.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered the presence of regulatory T cells in the retina, a potential target for treating retinopathy of prematurity. The study's findings suggest that boosting these cells may repair damaged blood vessels in the retina, reducing ROP risk.
A team of scientists believes they've identified Paranthropus boisei as the species that likely contracted HSV2 and transmitted it to human ancestors, including Homo erectus. The study suggests the virus jumped from ancestral chimpanzees via an intermediate hominin species.
A team of scientists has successfully analyzed chicken embryo development data, paving the way for similar research in humans. The findings provide insights into the regulation of gene transcription and its role in tissue formation.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that black children with eczema are 30% less likely to see a doctor for treatment compared to white children. Despite having more severe disease, minority children experience lower healthcare utilization rates due to various barriers.
A new study ranks the safety and effectiveness of four cognitive enhancers for Alzheimer's dementia, finding that donepezil is most likely to improve cognition. However, patients taking donepezil are more likely to experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Researchers from University of Groningen have discovered a way to increase charge conductivity in lead-sulphur quantum dots by adding extra sulphur. This breakthrough enables the tuning of electric properties, improving efficiency of quantum dot solar cells above current records.
Research suggests that physical abuse and punishment negatively impact children's academic performance, with harsh corporal punishment increasing peer isolation. Parent education on alternative forms of punishment may be a solution to prevent physical abuse and promote children's cognitive development.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered a unique magnetic behavior in ultracold atoms, which is consistent with the Fermi-Hubbard model. The team found that applying a strong magnetic field caused the atoms to line up in an alternating pattern and lean away from each other.