A survey study found that cosmetic professionals are often unaware of the true prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in patients seeking cosmetic procedures. Most respondents were familiar with BDD and its criteria, but only a small percentage routinely addressed body image problems or collaborated with psychologists.
Researchers have created sensor technology for a robotic prosthetic arm that detects signals from nerves in the spinal cord, enabling users to control the device with phantom limb movements. This breakthrough could lead to more functional and user-friendly prosthetics, potentially revolutionizing the lives of amputees.
The International Potato Center launched an online mobile-accessible Pest Risk Atlas for Africa to assess potential pest risks under current and future climate conditions. The atlas provides detailed information for pest risk analysis, including detection and identification, means of movement and dispersal, and phytosanitary measures.
Neuroscientist David Heeger proposes a new theory that explains how the brain uses prediction and inference to make decisions. The brain's neural network can process sensory input in a feedforward manner, but also runs in a feedback mode to generate predictions, and combines both modes for optimal performance.
A two-year study found that Penn State's power plants on campus pose no radon-related health risks, despite high concentrations of radon in the natural gas used. Researchers measured radon levels downwind and upwind from the plants, finding them to be far below a health threat.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified an ion channel, TrpC5, essential for the brain's response to leptin and lorcaserin, two hormones and medications used to suppress appetite and reduce body weight. In mice deficient in TrpC5, these hormones were ineffective, leading to increased body weight and disrupted metabolism.
Researchers developed machine learning algorithms to reconstruct 3D protein structures using microscopic images, enabling faster discovery of new drugs for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. The approach eliminates prior knowledge requirements, making it possible to study previously inaccessible proteins.
A multidisciplinary team combines drones with infrared cameras to monitor animal populations, reducing costs and increasing access. The new technique uses thermal imaging to identify species, potentially aiding conservation efforts against poaching and habitat destruction.
A Queensland-led team has developed an effective and economical Ebola treatment made with antibodies from horses, which could be used in the next outbreak. The post-exposure treatment is a cost-effective alternative to monoclonal antibodies, which require significant investment for scale-up and manufacture.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a terahertz transmitter capable of transmitting digital data at rates exceeding 100 gigabits per second. This breakthrough enables faster data transfer rates, making it suitable for applications such as satellite communications and ultrafast wireless links between base stations.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that US actors dominated the Academy Awards, winning over 50% of all prizes. Shared social group membership with judges was a significant factor in determining award winners. Nationality and film subject matter also played important roles in award wins.
A long-term study of 4811 London-based office workers found no association between sitting and developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that the risks are linked to TV time and poor diet, rather than sitting itself.
A new emoticon-style questionnaire, developed by University of Exeter experts, helps teachers and others assess children's happiness levels as young as four. The questionnaire has been shown to be effective in engaging children on their wellbeing and happiness levels, with an average score around 11 or 12.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered abnormal changes in the brain's frontal lobe and emotional control mechanism in individuals with misophonia. The study found that trigger sounds evoked increased heart rate and sweating, and that patients had strikingly similar clinical features despite being undiagnosed by current me...
A UCL-led study published in Scientific Reports discovered that certain antibiotics, such as oritavancin, can still kill drug-resistant bacteria by exerting strong mechanical forces on their cell surfaces. The findings open up a promising new way to overcome antibiotic resistance and could lead to the development of more effective drugs.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that empathetic individuals assess dog facial expressions more quickly and intensely than non-empathetic ones. People with higher emotional empathy also recognize happier human faces more intensely.
Belgian scientists discovered protein Taok3 plays a key role in B cell development, leading to new molecular therapies for genetic conditions, asthma and diabetes. Mice genetically lacking Taok3 developed fewer type B immune cells, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Researchers found that using red-channel images improved the detection of diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes leading to blindness. The study suggests that this method could offer a clear-cut advantage in under-served groups with high rates of diabetic eye disease.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed a high-dimensional quantum cloning machine that can intercept secure quantum messages. By analyzing the results, they discovered clues to protect quantum computing networks from potential hacking threats.
A study led by Berkeley Lab researchers found that newborn mice exposed to thirdhand smoke weighed less and had altered blood cell counts, which persisted even after exposure ended. The findings suggest that the lingering residue of tobacco smoke could be harmful to human health, particularly for babies and toddlers.
A pilot study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, has shown that consuming grapes twice a day for six months can prevent metabolic decline in Alzheimer-related areas of the brain. Participants who followed a grape-enriched diet demonstrated improved attention and memory performance compared to those on a placebo diet.
A new study reveals that residential heating and transport are major sources of black carbon in the Russian Arctic, with an estimated 35% and 38% contribution respectively. This finding highlights the importance of reducing black carbon pollution in the region to mitigate climate change.
Researchers have created a novel method to produce ammonia at room temperature, utilizing enzymes derived from nature, which also generates a small electrical current. This process could potentially lead to a less energy-intensive source of ammonia used worldwide as a vital fertilizer.
Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a turbo expander electric generator operating on high-pressure natural gas. The device converts part of the emitted energy into electrical power, generating sustainable electricity without additional fuel.
A Michigan State University study reveals that children's personalities are contagious and influenced by their peers, with extroverted and hard-working play partners shaping younger kids' behavior. The research challenges traditional views on the role of genes in shaping personality, suggesting that environment plays a significant role.
A new study found that 28 of South Africa's 57 forest-dwelling bird species are declining in range, while 22 species are increasing. The data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project indicates a link between deforestation and habitat loss, with smaller bird species more vulnerable to extinction.
Thomas Gajewski, a pioneer in cancer immunotherapy, has received a $4.2 million grant to support his research on overcoming tumor resistance. His team is exploring new approaches, including drugs that enhance immune system function and the role of gut microbiota in cancer.
Researchers at NaMLab have demonstrated the world's first germanium transistor that can switch between electron and hole conduction, enabling lower power consumption and reduced transistor count. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient digital electronics, with potential applications in areas like energy storage and computing.
A Finnish study found that pregnant women consuming large amounts of liquorice during pregnancy had children who performed less well in cognitive reasoning tests and had more ADHD-type problems. The study suggests that glycyrrhizin, a natural sweetener in liquorice, may have long-lasting effects on fetal development.
Researchers develop quantum RAM that models complex problems with unprecedented amounts of data, using a 'quantum hard drive' smaller than conventional simulations require. This breakthrough achieves significant improvements in efficiency, paving the way for advancements in complex simulations and real-world applications.
A new model exploring evolutionary dynamics found that phenotypic diversity co-evolves with contingent cooperation to protect against defectors, fostering group cohesion. The study's findings suggest that a high level of phenotypic diversity is crucial for successful cooperation and resistance to invasion.
A new study published in Genetics in Medicine found that non-invasive cell-free DNA prenatal testing can be effectively and appropriately offered to all pregnant women through primary obstetrical care providers. The test has been shown to be highly effective in screening for Down syndrome and similar chromosome abnormalities.
Lily and Yuh-Nung Jan receive $100,000 prize for their discoveries on neural development, vision, and hearing; Michaela Gack, Michael Halassa, and Ahmet Yildiz win $50,000 for their innovative work in biomedical science
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a machine learning algorithm to predict point defects in intermetallic compounds with high accuracy. This method accelerates research on new advanced alloys and lightweight materials for various industries.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that preterm babies who received palivizumab had significantly lower incidence of physician-diagnosed wheeze by age six, compared to those who did not receive the drug. The researchers suggest that atopic asthma in children up to age six is pr...
A recent study by Jan Antfolk at Åbo Akademi University found that both men and women become interested in older and younger partners as they age. Most sexual activity occurs between partners of similar ages, contradicting earlier research suggesting older men prefer young women.
Researchers discovered that a cancer drug targeting Wnt signaling molecules improves heart function and reduces scarring in mice, potentially preventing heart failure. The treatment also only needs to be used for a short time, avoiding common side effects.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health found that couples with obesity take from 55-59% longer to conceive compared to their non-obese counterparts. The researchers calculated body mass index and found a significant decrease in fertility chances among obese individuals.
A new study by University of Florida researchers found that people seeking emergency treatment for food obstruction are 10 times more likely to do so during or after national holidays and sporting events. The study also identified turkey as the most common impacted food, followed by chicken and beef.
A recent study found that female fashion models experience high levels of pressure to lose weight, leading to unhealthy behaviors. Models rated increased worker protections as the most feasible approach to improve working conditions.
A USU ecologist has found evidence of Pando's recovery through the use of fencing to limit herbivore access, supporting a growing body of research suggesting this approach can help protect western aspen communities from decline. The study suggests that limiting herbivory can give Pando and other aspen clones a fighting chance at survival.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have developed a detailed analysis of RNA polymerase, crucial to all cells, which is targeted by the antibiotic rifampicin. The study identifies potential strategies for new drugs that can effectively combat resistant TB strains.
Scientists are taking advantage of the rare opportunity to study the sun and Earth during the August 2017 total solar eclipse. The event will provide a chance to collect data only available during eclipses, including studying the corona and its effects on space weather.
A study found that premature birth can lead to poor muscle growth, affecting strength and function throughout life. Prenatal stress and malnutrition may contribute to this issue by exposing the fetus to high levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to muscle atrophy.
The study found that salvage logging after a severe wildfire did not significantly affect the diversity and abundance of native plant species in the forest. However, some shrub communities were affected due to reproduction cycle timing and seed germination triggered by heat from fire. The research suggests that longer-term studies supp...
A recent study published in Circulation found that having multiple children increases the risk of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease in women. Additionally, research suggests that preterm delivery is a significant cardiovascular risk factor for women, regardless of other factors.
The University of California, Irvine has received a $2.2 million funding boost to support innovation and entrepreneurship. The Bridging Innovation Gaps Initiative will provide gap funding for biomedical engineering projects, grant applications, and proof-of-product grants.
Regular consumption of salicylic acid can promote and prolong bacterial colonization by depriving the body of iron, which is essential for bacterial growth. This study found that increased biofilm formation allows bacteria to survive longer under unfavorable conditions.
The National Human Genome Research Institute awards JAX a four-year $6.7 million grant to launch a center for three-dimensional genome mapping of the human and mouse genomes as part of the ENCODE initiative.
Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a new software to automate the process of observing and quantifying long-term structural plasticity in dendritic spines. The software allows for efficient imaging and stimulation of multiple dendritic spines simultaneously, increasing productivity and reducing costs.
Researchers at TGen identified a novel mutation in brain protein CASK that causes physical abnormalities and developmental delays in children. The study found a nearly 40% diagnosis rate among 440 sequenced genomes, offering insights into rare medical disorders.
Researchers from Geneva and Fribourg have developed a rapid screening method to select the most promising nanoparticles for medical applications. The new approach can determine biocompatibility in under two days, reducing the need for animal testing and enabling personalized treatment.
A new study published in Physical Review E presents an optimal search strategy for foragers to maximize resource efficiency. The model suggests that searching a current foraging ground for a time equal to the time it would take to set up and move to a new territory is the most effective approach.
A case series analysis of 22 patients with frontal sinus fractures found that 20 treated without surgery showed improvement, with no complications. The minimally disruptive treatment protocol promises to revolutionize the treatment of frontal sinus fractures by prioritizing sinus preservation.
A new report in The American Journal of Pathology reveals that potent cytotoxins produced by group A streptococcus (GAS) contribute to the severity of 'flesh-eating disease'. Production of both NADase and streptolysin O is necessary for full virulence, and infections can be controlled better with toxin-deficient bacteria.
Researchers found that Zika virus disrupts interferon signaling in dendritic cells, a crucial step in the immune response. Another antiviral pathway called RIG-I-like receptor signaling remains intact and could be targeted for immunity-boosting therapies.
Researchers used a combination of computational power and experimental data to study magnetism in a real iron-platinum nanoparticle. The team was able to precisely model the atomic structure and simulate its magnetic properties, revealing defects and imperfections that affect performance.
Researchers developed a method to compute optimal traffic light settings for urban intersections by applying traffic flow conservation laws on networks. The approach uses partial outer convexification, splitting the problem into two stages: nonlinear dynamic optimization and linear mixed-integer programming.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed cobalt grids that can be reliably programmed at room temperature. Three distinct magnetic states, denoted as G, C, and Q, were found around each hole in the grid. This discovery could lead to more efficient computing using spin-waves instead of electric current.
A study published in Economics & Human Biology found a negative correlation between income and 2D:4D ratios for both men and women, with higher salaries linked to lower ratios. The research used Russian data and analyzed over 1,600 participants to explore the connection between perinatal testosterone and earnings.