Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that brain area relevant for smelling is activated before an odour is perceived, affecting how positive or negative the smell is perceived to be. The piriform cortex processes visual information and creates an expectation about the scent's smell, influencing perception.
Prehensile Technologies develops RoboTable, a robotic over-the-bed table, to help veterans and others with disabilities use their laptop computers and mobile devices independently. The device aims to provide independence, productivity, and entertainment for users with mobility impairments.
The Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs' Moveable Museum travels across rural Mongolia, offering engaging exhibits and workshops to promote paleontology and protect local fossils. The museum aims to inspire local kids to become paleontologists and support conservation efforts.
Researchers are developing a new class of biological therapeutics that can coevolve with viruses, potentially eliminating or blunting resistance. By leveraging natural phenomena like defective interference, they aim to create therapeutic interfering particles that can reduce disease severity and transmission.
A new study compares the recovery of land-dwelling vertebrates from different localities in southern Pangaea, finding stark differences in ecological diversity levels. The research suggests that carnivores and archosaurs were diverse and abundant in Zambia and Tanzania but relatively uncommon or absent in South Africa.
A University of Leeds research team identified a protein called Piezo1 in the lining of blood vessels that detects changes in blood flow during exercise. The study found that this protein plays a crucial role in controlling blood flow to the intestines, which may help overcome metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that hospitals with lower registered nursing staff levels have a higher risk of patient death. The study reveals that care left undone due to lack of time is the key factor in understanding variation in mortality rates in hospitals.
Penn State faculty members Ming Xiao, Heng Xu, and Jun Zhu receive NSF Convergence grants to support interdisciplinary research on permafrost coastal erosion, crowdsourcing research, and quantum science. The grants aim to bring together experts from various fields to address complex challenges and advance scientific discovery.
A study of 188 Hadza hunter-gatherers reveals that their diet affects the composition of their gut microbiome. The researchers found that traditional diets rich in plants and hunting were associated with higher levels of beneficial bacteria, while Western diets were linked to reduced diversity.
Recent research from NTNU found that omega-3 fatty acids can dampen harmful inflammatory reactions in the body, particularly by activating autophagy and inhibiting interferon response factors. This may be beneficial for patients with conditions driven or aggravated by strong inflammatory responses.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered how tuberculosis hijacks the immune system in human lungs, enabling it to establish an infection. The research found that TB bacteria produce a protein attracting white blood cells, which become infected and fuel uncontrolled bacterial growth and inflammation.
The James Webb Space Telescope will study the 'ocean worlds' of Europa and Enceladus, adding to previous observations by Galileo and Cassini orbiters. The telescope's high-resolution imagery and spectroscopic analysis will help unravel the mysteries of these moons' subsurface oceans and potential biosignatures.
Researchers shed light on the extinct cave bear's primarily herbivorous diet and small brain relative to its body size. New studies suggest a less energy-rich diet and highly seasonal environment contributed to its unusually small brain, with findings also indicating longer gestation periods and slower sexual maturity.
A clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) for treating osteoid osteoma, a benign but painful bone tumor in children. The procedure eliminates incisions and ionizing radiation exposure, offering a faster treatment option with improved outcomes.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have developed a new technique using ultrasound equipment to measure brain blood flow, providing a potential tool for diagnosing concussions. The study found a clear link between the brain injury and changes in blood flow response.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that 21 percent of mothers experiencing postpartum mood disorders do not disclose their symptoms to healthcare providers. The study suggests that support networks and normalizing mental health discussions are key to addressing this issue.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a chimeric anti-PD-L1 antibody that induces immune responses and tumor regression in dogs with malignant cancers. The antibody targets PD-L1-positive cancers, including oral malignant melanoma and undifferentiated sarcoma.
The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson is part of a team selected for the Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN), a new initiative by the National Institutes of Health. The SIREN grant aims to improve emergency care and clinical outcomes through large multi-site clinical trials.
Researchers have discovered a new design for magnesium batteries, increasing storage capacity to 400 mAh/g compared to earlier versions. The breakthrough involves inserting magnesium chloride into a titanium disulfide host, allowing for faster diffusion and higher energy density.
A new study found that flu vaccination rates for children may have decreased due to the unavailability of a nasal spray vaccine. The study, published in Vaccine, analyzed data from 9,591 pediatric patients and found that without the option of the nasal spray, total influenza vaccination rates were 1.6% lower in 2016-17 than in 2015-16.
A study of 645 ARDS survivors identified subgroups with varying degrees of impairment, including permanent lung damage and long-term effects on quality of life. Researchers aim to develop tailored rehabilitation programs to guide patients through the recovery process.
Two Japanese teams found the Phoenicid meteor shower linked to Comet Blanpain, which disappeared in 1819. The team predicted the shower's return and observed 29 Phoenicids, confirming their link to Comet Blanpain.
Research from the University of Alberta found that female squirrels who predict abundant food years have more pups that survive to maturity. This is due to their ability to recognize mast seeding years, which occur once in a few years and provide an abundance of food.
Researchers found modest changes in skull morphology for groups consuming cereals, dairy, or both, but differences were small compared to other factors like gender and population variation.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and two other organizations will attend the GAIN Annual Convention to promote careers in departmental research. The event offers job opportunities and networking platforms for young German academics.
Researchers have provided high-resolution insights into the light harvesting process of plants under low light conditions. The study reveals the structural features and energy transfer pathways within the C2S2M2-type PSII-LHCII supercomplex, shedding light on its functional regulation and oxygen-evolving activity.
French researchers have developed a new green solvent that can trap harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. The non-flammable mixture, made from choline salt and urea, was found to dissolve up to 500 times more chemicals than water at 30°C.
Studies on red raspberries found that consuming the fruit may improve glucose control and reduce hunger. Researchers also discovered that red raspberry consumption can alter gut microbiota and show promise in reducing inflammation and obesity risk.
A study found that increased DPP4 production in the liver contributes to obesity, fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. Elevated DPP4 levels also promote less sensitivity to insulin, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A new study sheds light on the connection between gut bacteria and anxiety, finding that a significant number of miRNAs were changed in the brains of microbe-free mice. The researchers suggest that targeting the gut microbiome may be a potential therapeutic approach for psychiatric disorders.
A NASA technologist is developing a self-calibrating hybrid space magnetometer that combines the precision of fluxgate and atomic magnetometers. The device will be ideal for CubeSat and small satellite missions, enabling simultaneous multi-point observations and studying Earth's ever-changing magnetic fields.
Researchers at CRI have developed a new system, CAPTURE, to analyze the entire set of factors that regulate our DNA. This approach offers possibilities to study how different proteins control genome function in cancer and stem cells, and may lead to finding new drug targets.
Chemical analysis of ancient pottery from Monte Kronio in Sicily reveals the presence of tartaric acid and sodium salt, characteristic of winemaking processes. The discovery provides a new perspective on the economy of ancient Italy, challenging traditional views on wine production.
Researchers found that removing the Lef1 gene disrupts nerve cell development in the hypothalamus, leading to increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice and zebrafish. The study suggests a new pathway to understanding human brain disorders and potential treatments.
A recent study has made a breakthrough in developing better batteries via real-time transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The research team successfully hermetically encapsulated sulfur particles using two-dimensional materials like molybdenum disulfide, preventing leakage and sublimation. This innovation could lead to im...
New research at Los Alamos National Laboratory develops a DNA detection method that can accurately distinguish virulent bacteria from harmless look-alikes. The study identifies specific plasmid features in environmental species that differentiate pathogenic Francisella tularensis strains from non-threat agents.
A study by Osaka University researchers found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) promotes remyelination in mice, suggesting a potential new treatment for demyelinating diseases. FGF21 was shown to increase remyelination and improve neurological function in mice with demyelinated lesions.
A new rapid diagnostic test has been shown to effectively distinguish between severe and uncomplicated malaria in children in Sub-Saharan Africa. The test was tested on 2,678 children with fever, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 97.6% for detecting severe malaria.
A more diverse school board can lead to more equitable school punishment among students of different races, according to a new study. The researchers found that schools with larger minority populations tend to suspend more black and Hispanic students, while white students in these schools are less likely to be suspended.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center report that tumors stressed by cancer immunotherapy release mitochondrial DNA into nearby immune cells, triggering a host alert system. This discovery highlights the critical role of cGAS as an innate immune sensor for DNA and its importance in bridging the body's two immune systems.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) releases endorphins in the brain, alleviating physical and emotional stress. In contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise does not induce significant endorphin release, but rather increases pleasurable feelings.
Kenneth remains a well-organized gale-force tropical low pressure area with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is moving north-northwestward towards the north and weakening over the next couple of days.
A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers has identified long non-coding RNAs that play a critical role in orchestrating sperm development. The lncRNAs help regulate various stages of sperm development and are found exclusively in the testes, suggesting they could be used to develop novel infertility drugs.
Researchers used synchrotron microtomography to analyze fossilized feces, providing clues on ancient food webs and ecosystems. The study reveals delicate remains of beetles and fish in coprolites from the Upper Triassic bone beds in Poland.
Research reveals that estrogen hormones regulate gene expression through a multi-step process involving sequential recruitment of coactivators. The study, published in Molecular Cell, shows that the addition of specific coactivator CARM1 guides subsequent steps leading to gene activation.
Researchers studying a 400 million year old bony fish from Estonia believe they have found evidence for the origins of teeth using advanced synchrotron microtomography. This discovery may cast light on the possible origin of teeth from dermal odontodes, and evolutionary relationship between dentitions of all jawed animals.
A study published by UC San Francisco researchers has identified specific groups of neurons in the brain's temporal cortex that distinguish speaker, phonetics, and intonation. These neurons respond to changes in vocal pitch and help convey meaning and emotion in spoken language.
A new study reveals that networks formed by patient transfers between hospitals in France are similar among three patient populations: HAIs, suspected HAIs, and the general patient population. This similarity could help predict HAI spread and inform efforts to reduce its transmission.
Tropical Storm Harvey is intensifying with heavy rainfall, forecast to bring life-threatening flooding and strong winds to the middle Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center predicts rain accumulations of 12-20 inches in some areas, with totals exceeding 30 inches in isolated regions.
A new virtual model of mouse lung function has been developed to better understand the relative importance of different factors contributing to lung changes in chronic inflammation. The study found that changes in lung recruitment and elastic fiber density were mainly responsible for declining lung function.
Researchers found that young children can reason about their abilities and global self-worth, but failure can affect their motivation. The study suggests that parents and educators should foster a productive learning environment to prevent discouragement in young children.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that the average cost of treating oropharyngeal cancer in Texas for two years is $139,749. The study suggests that HPV vaccination could prevent many cases of the disease and result in significant cost savings.
A new imaging technique has been developed to uncover oxygen levels in prostate tumours, potentially leading to a non-invasive way to determine which tumours are more difficult to treat. The technique uses light and sound to image the strength of blood vessels in tumours, helping doctors identify patients with harder-to-treat cancers.
Brown's Data Science Initiative aims to bring together experts from various fields to develop new tools for applying data to complex problems. The grant will support intensive research activity and workshops bringing top researchers to campus to work on improving predictive power of mathematical models.
A recent study reveals that declining expenditures in nonprofit organizations increase the likelihood of executive turnover. Nonprofits with annual expenditure decreases by 20% over three years are 50% more likely to replace their CEO. This finding highlights the accountability of nonprofit executives.
A cancer drug called bosutinib showed promise in slowing cyst growth in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The study found a 66% reduction in kidney enlargement for those receiving bosutinib compared to placebo.
A new fabrication method allows for precise control over electrical performance of neural probes, improving drug delivery and communication with the nervous system. Conducting polymers mimic biological tissue, promoting efficient signal transduction and biocompatibility.
Researchers at the University of Illinois created a crawling robot inspired by origami structures and biological systems, such as Venus Flytrap movement and uni-flagellated bacteria swimming. The robot uses origami building blocks to mimic earthworms' gait and setae design for forward and turning motions.
A new paradigm for microbiome research suggests that each person's microbiome responds differently to stress, rather than following a predictable pattern. This concept, called the Anna Karenina principle, has key implications for antibiotic therapy, chronic disease management and other medical approaches.
Researchers found that chronic tinnitus is associated with changes in certain networks in the brain, leading to increased attention and reduced rest. The study provides hope for future treatment options and validates patients' experiences.