Research in mice reveals that the central amygdala, not the lateral portion, is crucial for aversive learning and associating sensory stimuli with threat. This finding has implications for treating disorders like anxiety and PTSD by modifying fear memories.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania sheds light on how seniors cope with results showing an elevated level of beta amyloid protein plaques, a biomarker of Alzheimer's-disease. Researchers found that many seniors are dissatisfied with the ambiguity of the message and desire more detailed information about their risk.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reports that in long-lived animals, renewed but thin myelin sheaths are enough to restore the impaired nervous system. The findings confirm that thin myelin sheaths support nerve fiber function and survival, providing a potential marker for remyelination.
Researchers report that sugar phosphorylation and uridine synthesis occur spontaneously in microdroplets without enzymes or ATP. This discovery suggests prebiotic formation of biologically relevant molecules could have occurred in these environments.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered technology that can decode what the human brain is seeing by analyzing fMRI scans from people watching videos. The breakthrough could lead to new insights into brain function and improve artificial intelligence.
The VA National PTSD Brain Bank is a resource aimed at providing answers to the complex nature of posttraumatic stress disorder. The bank supports research on the causes, progression, and treatment of PTSD by storing tissue from brains of individuals with PTSD.
Researchers have identified a new gene linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a debilitating lung disease. The discovery suggests targeting a specific biological pathway may lead to new treatments for IPF.
Researchers have gained insight into how the double helix unwinds in the earliest stages of DNA replication. The new cryo-EM images show that the twin helicase enzymes load head to head, forming a complex that positions one strand for extrusion and another as the leading strand.
Researchers are developing sophisticated methods to understand Alzheimer's disease mechanisms and predict its onset before symptoms appear. The five-year study aims to pinpoint factors leading to cognitive decline in relation to beta-amyloid proteins.
The average lifespan of African Americans is significantly shorter than white Americans, largely attributable to a higher rate of heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrest, heart failure, and strokes. Socio-economic factors such as education, income, and access to healthcare contribute to these disparities.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study finds a genetic change called ALK-fusion in a patient sample of a melanoma subtype called mucosal melanoma. Treated with FDA-approved drugs, the tumor responded dramatically. The study suggests that these non-sun-exposed melanomas may be more susceptible to targeted treatments.
University of Houston researchers are part of a $5.3 million NSF-funded effort to better understand disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Steven Pennings will examine mangrove protection, while Hanadi Rifai will characterize chemical and microbiological contamination in Houston waterways.
A study by OSU researchers used a coupled modeling approach to analyze the interactions between natural water supply and human demand, revealing key findings including the importance of economics in understanding water scarcity and counterintuitive effects of urban expansion and climate change.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $5 million grant to create a multidisciplinary center focusing on cybersecurity and cloud computing. The Center for Security and Privacy Enhanced Cloud Computing (C-SPECC) aims to develop well-trained professionals in the industry and strengthen San Antonio as a cybersecurity hub.
A team of climate scientists found that sea-level rise, not stronger storm surges, will cause future NYC flooding. Rising sea levels could lead to a 50-foot flood height by 2300, with smaller changes in coastal risk if sea-level rise is prevented.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that gun-related deaths and injuries in neighboring California spiked by nearly 70 percent after gun shows were held in Nevada. The findings suggest that lack of federal gun legislation reduces the impact of state laws intended to protect citizens from firearm injury and death.
A new database called LAGOS provides comprehensive information on water quality, physical, and ecological factors affecting thousands of lakes. The database, developed by 80 scientists across various disciplines, will enable researchers and policymakers to analyze trends over space and time.
The CUORE experiment has set the most precise limits yet on a theorized process to explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. The detector, cooled to record-low temperatures, will collect nearly 100 times more data in the coming years.
Patients with advanced cancer who experience high levels of physical and psychological symptoms have longer hospital stays and higher risk of unplanned readmissions. Researchers found that symptom management is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Researchers at KU Leuven have identified specific ion channels in airway cells that recognize lipopolysaccharide molecules from bacteria, triggering a rapid response mechanism against infections. This early defence mechanism is essential for combating bacterial invasion and could lead to the development of more effective treatments.
Researchers at James Cook University found that poorly planned roads can become costly money-losers for developing nations due to high maintenance costs. The study highlights the risks of corruption and substandard construction methods, which can lead to rapid collapse and further environmental damage.
The Azrieli Centre for Autism Research will foster innovations in therapy and a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Researchers will use advanced brain imaging techniques to map differences in children and adults living with ASD, leading to earlier diagnosis and effective intervention.
Scientists used a novel gene editing technique to uncover the genetic basis of paraquat-induced Parkinson's disease. The study identified three genes - POR, ATP7A and SLC45A4 - that confer resistance to paraquat, suggesting these genes may be responsible for the toxicity.
Fossilized tree trunks from China suggest early forest trees grew by building a hollow cylindrical skeleton that collapsed under its own weight. This controlled collapse allowed the tree to achieve great size and provide insights into the evolution of tree growth.
Researchers successfully controlled electrons in graphene using a high-tech microscope, paving the way for novel electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-fast transport of electrons with low energy loss in applications such as transistors and sensors.
A study by NYU Meyers College of Nursing found that over a quarter of teens taking Adderall on their own do not report using amphetamine. This underreporting may lead to an underestimate of the actual prevalence of nonmedical amphetamine use.
A survey of healthcare providers in 40 countries found that clinicians' religious beliefs can influence their approach to caring for homosexual patients. Non-Christian and non-Catholic providers were more likely to report feeling unprepared or changing their treatment approach.
A study found that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) overestimate the risk of dying from treatment and the likelihood of a cure, while physicians believe it is very unlikely. The gaps in perception are most striking for patients receiving non-intensive therapy.
A recent study from Florida State University found that Miami-Dade County is not fully equipped to handle pet sheltering during emergencies. The study highlights the need for pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelters, particularly for older adults who represent 50-75% of disaster deaths.
A study uses isotope fingerprinting to examine alabaster trade in Europe over five centuries, revealing previously unknown sources of alabaster in the French Alps that supplied eastern France. The results suggest an important alabaster industry in the French Alps during this time period.
Gender disparities are identified in lung cancer screening and care, with more female patients meeting high-risk criteria but not completing low-dose CT scans. Language barriers do not delay initiation of lung cancer care, according to a second study.
Extra-Tropical Cyclone Lan was a typhoon that made landfall in southern Tokyo on October 21-22. NASA's satellite imagery revealed the storm's structure and cloud top temperatures, with eastern Hokkaido experiencing the coldest cloud tops and strongest storms.
A study found that asthma prevalence and emergency department visits vary widely among different NYC neighborhoods. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and elemental carbon are associated with greater urgent asthma care in lower-prevalence areas, especially among children.
A major study identifies 72 new genetic variants that contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer, bringing the total number of known common variants to around 180. These variants are found in regions regulating gene activity and differ from those involved in other diseases.
Severe air pollution in northern and eastern China blocks about 20% of sunlight from reaching solar panels, significantly reducing solar energy production. The study found that aerosol pollution reduces the potential for solar electricity generation by as much as one and a half kilowatt-hour per square meter per day.
Transparent solar cells can provide similar electricity-generation potential as rooftop solar while enhancing building efficiency, and may supply up to 40% of US energy demand
Researchers from Montana and Wyoming biologists projected routes for grizzly bears to pass through human-occupied territory around Helena, Butte, and Bozeman. The predicted routes matched well with verified sightings of grizzly bears outside their usual ranges, offering more continuous habitat.
A new policy proposal by Dartmouth economist Elizabeth Cascio aims to relieve the burden of child care costs on low-income families, particularly those with children under five. The proposed reform recommends replacing current federal child care tax policies with a new, refundable tax credit that would benefit lower-income families.
A national analysis shows that opioid abuse remains disturbingly high, with nearly 1 in 7 Americans abusing prescription opioids. Experts urge caution and education to combat the epidemic.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that federal drinking water regulations reduced toxic exposure and protected human health. Compliance with the EPA regulation led to a decline of 17% in levels of urinary arsenic, resulting in an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder cancer every year.
Geophysicist Seth Stein argues that scientifically inaccurate movies can be used to teach scientific lessons and foster skepticism. He incorporates disaster movies into his classroom lessons, training students to spot errors and seek true explanations.
A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2017 annual meeting found that women giving birth in winter or spring are less likely to develop postpartum depression. Higher gestational age and not having anesthesia during delivery increased risk, while increased body mass index was associated with a higher risk.
Compliance with the 2006 EPA regulation on maximum arsenic levels led to a 17% decline in urinary arsenic concentrations among public water users, equivalent to an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder disease per year. Private well water users showed no improvements due to lack of federal regulation.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding and combating antibiotic resistance, particularly through the development of β-lactamase inhibitors. These enzyme inhibitors have shown promise in reversing resistance to certain antibiotics, offering new hope in treating previously untreatable infections.
Researchers caution that relying solely on zircon crystals can skew timescales for geological events, potentially millions of years. The findings have implications for understanding volcanic hazards and predicting future risks.
A team of researchers successfully predicted earthquakes using machine learning techniques in a laboratory setting. By analyzing acoustic signals from faults, they identified a pattern that can be used to estimate the stress on the fault and predict when an earthquake will occur.
Administering acetaminophen during surgery may reduce the incidence of postoperative shivering, a common side effect affecting up to half of patients. Acetaminophen significantly reduced shivering severity and body temperature in patients who received it compared to those receiving a placebo.
Older patients with diabetes are at an 84% higher risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) than those without diabetes. POCD affects 10-13% of patients after major surgery, particularly seniors, and can result in increased complications and impaired quality of life.
A study of 61 patients found that almost 75 percent experienced an improvement in their migraine intensity after a three- to seven-day course of inpatient treatment with ketamine. The drug has been shown to provide powerful pain control for patients with many painful conditions.
The study found that opioid use decreased from 1 in 4 to 1 in 12 among hip and knee replacement patients between 2006 and 2014. Multimodal therapy increased, especially in small and medium-sized hospitals, leading to reduced opioid use and improved pain management.
A single-center study compared outcomes of 222 hip fracture patients treated before and after implementing the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model. PSH patients had reduced mortality rates, fewer ER visits, and higher discharge rates to home care.
A recent study has found that patients often overestimate their anticipated level of pain following surgery, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Patients receiving regional anesthesia, such as peripheral nerve blocks or epidurals, were more likely to overestimate their postoperative pain.
A study of 690 women found that both short and long surgical incisions for cesarean births are associated with increased pain after delivery. The authors recommend an optimal range of 12-17cm for cesarean incision length to minimize post-delivery pain.
Apixaban is a new oral anticoagulant with good bioavailability, independent of patient sex and age. The drug has a short half-life, wide therapeutic window, and low number of drug interactions, making it suitable for patients with bleeding or surgical conditions.
Researchers discovered that Mycoplasma agalactiae uses a molecular stealth mechanism to evade the immune system. The bacteria can compensate for gene inactivation through an alternative mechanism, allowing them to survive and persist in infected hosts.
A recent study by the University of Huddersfield reveals that UK SME jewellery producers are vulnerable to rogue traders due to their reliance on trust when sourcing materials. The research highlights the need for these businesses to develop policies on sustainability and sourcing to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Two ORNL-led research teams will assess the feasibility of quantum architectures in addressing big science problems and develop algorithms to harness massive power predicted by quantum computing systems. Researchers aim to create quantum computers capable of simulating phenomena at unprecedented scales and speeds.
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has launched a new program to improve access to diabetes care in West Virginia, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Merck Foundation. The program aims to address healthcare disparities among vulnerable populations and promote health equity.
A thin organic coating created through composting improves biochar's ability to store nutrients and promote plant growth, offering an eco-friendly alternative to inorganic nitrogen fertilizers.
A study found that having a parent with an alcohol use disorder increases the risk of teenage dating violence. Researchers identified family dynamics in infancy and middle childhood as critical factors in the development of aggression and dating violence.