Patients at hospital-based primary care practices are more likely to receive unnecessary tests and services for common conditions like back pain and upper respiratory infections. The study found that clinic location, not ownership, is the key factor driving this disparity, with hospital-owned community clinics delivering similar care t...
Researchers found that brain stimulation increased honest behavior in people who experienced a moral conflict between material and moral interests. The stimulation mainly reduced cheating in those with strong moral inclinations, but did not affect decision-making process in those committed to maximizing earnings.
A new study reveals that veterans with a history of physical or sexual abuse before 18 have reduced ability to concentrate compared to those without abuse. The study found abnormal brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and frontal areas, associated with concentration issues.
A University of Missouri meteorology expert predicts a relatively wet and mild summer for the Midwest, providing good growing conditions for crops. The forecast is attributed to projected El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean, which typically bring mild and wet summers to the region.
Astronomers have discovered a distant galaxy, MACS1423-z7p64, which is about 13.1 billion years old and falls within the 'Epoch of Reionization.' The team used a giant lens in the sky to magnify its brightness and analyze its spectrum.
Researchers found that children tend to pay attention to all information presented, even when asked to focus on one item. This helps them notice things adults miss due to selective attention. The study's findings have implications for education environments and suggest a need to design classrooms with fewer distractions.
Researchers created digital food web capturing human interactions with environment, revealing how humans disrupted existing ecosystems when introducing corn and altering food sources. The study sheds light on future human choices and climate change impacts.
A study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology shows that left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can fully restore heart function in some patients. Researchers found that 38% of individuals who recover enough to allow device removal demonstrated equivalent heart function to healthy individuals.
A new study finds high levels of undiagnosed anxiety and depression persisting in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration despite improved visual outcomes. Human interaction between clinicians and patients is shown to offer reassurance on anti-VEGF injection efficacy and safety.
Researchers found that soy protein concentrate (SPC) ground to three particle sizes showed improved digestibility of crude protein and amino acids compared to traditional protein sources. The results indicate that SPC can be used as an alternative to animal proteins in weanling pig diets without negative effects on growth performance.
A new analytical tool developed by University of British Columbia researchers provides accurate estimates of genetically modified pollen spread to non-modified crops. This enables the calculation of optimal separation distances to minimize cross-pollination, benefiting both crop-growers and policymakers.
The Salk Institute has received a $3 million gift from the Glenn Foundation, enabling continued investigation into aging and age-related diseases. The center aims to advance understanding of biological aging and its effects on various diseases, with a focus on developing interventions to delay or cure age-related conditions.
Professor Federico Rosei, Director of INRS Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, receives the 2017 IEEE Canada Outstanding Engineer Award. He is recognized for his important contributions to Canadian electrical and electronics engineering.
A team of researchers has identified the cause of a rare genetic disorder known as dystonia, which affects 70,000 people in the UK. The study found that mutations in the hippocalcin gene lead to overactivation of specific calcium channels, causing abnormal neuronal signaling and movement disorders.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified trunk neural crest cells as key players in the development of blood-forming stem cells, which can produce any type of blood cell. This discovery may lead to new avenues for investigating stem cell biology and improving access to bone marrow transplantation.
A new type of 'supermolecule' called calix[4] has been found to actively seek and remove certain pharmaceuticals from water. This breakthrough could lead to cleaner water supplies for everyone by allowing for on-site monitoring and selective removal of pollutants.
A five-year, $13 million partnership between MSU and MasterCard Foundation will provide employment opportunities to 15,000 young people in Tanzania and Nigeria's horticulture, aquaculture, and agrifood sectors. The program aims for gender equity, addressing constraints affecting youth entrepreneurship and job creation.
A new study published in JOSPT found that dry needling is as effective as cortisone injection in reducing pain and improving movement problems caused by greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Researchers treated patients with chronic hip pain, finding that both treatments resulted in decreased pain and improved function.
A specific class of inhibitory neurons plays a crucial role in encoding spatial information in the brain. The study found that these neurons, which are essential for maintaining precise maps of spatial information, become dysfunctional when they lack a protein called ErbB4, leading to alterations in spatial learning and memory.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown miniature functional models of the womb lining in culture, providing a major step forward in understanding the changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. The findings may lead to new insights into endometriosis and fertility treatments.
The Laboratory of Medical Zoology at UMass Amherst is conducting pathogen tests on thousands of ticks collected from 47 sites across the country as part of the National Ecological Observatory Network project. The tests will help track changes in tick-borne disease surveillance and research over 30 years.
A new live-attenuated Zika vaccine has been successfully developed in mice, offering complete protection against the virus after a single dose. The vaccine's safety profile is promising, with no adverse effects observed in mice compared to other clinically approved vaccines.
Researchers at TSRI have found a way to tether HIV-fighting antibodies to immune cells, creating a cell population resistant to the virus. This technique could potentially cure HIV by quickly replacing diseased cells.
Research identifies PPARγ as a critical regulator of metabolism-associated genes in the liver. Inhibition of PPARγ suppresses tumor growth and reduces tumorigenesis in mouse models.
A study of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake reveals a lack of knowledge among Portuguese citizens about tsunamis, yet most recognize the importance of learning more. The authors advocate for including historical and scientific issues in geosciences programs to address seismic risks and responses.
A new study reveals that promiscuity in birds slows down the formation of new species, contradicting conventional wisdom. Polygamous bird species, which breed with multiple partners, are less genetically diverse than monogamous species.
A new study finds that long-term exposure to soil minerals from walking barefoot in volcanic soils is the cause of a debilitating and disfiguring skin condition in western Uganda. The researchers found that people had been suffering silently for decades before symptoms became apparent.
A study of older people found that walking between busy urban areas and green spaces triggers changes in brain activity, reducing frustration and increasing excitement. The research has important implications for architects, planners, and health professionals as the global population ages and becomes more urbanized.
The study detects iron, magnesium, and sodium ions in the Martian upper atmosphere, indicating a permanent presence of metal ions. The team believes that all solar system planets with substantial atmospheres likely have metal ions.
Researchers have developed a transgenic mouse that can help identify new influenza virus strains with the potential to cause a global pandemic. The mouse expresses human MxA protein, which is thought to target influenza A viruses, and has shown resistance to avian but susceptibility to human flu viruses.
A new study by MBARI researchers Séverine Martini and Steve Haddock found that three quarters of deep-sea animals in Monterey Bay waters can produce bioluminescence. The study revealed a surprising similarity in the proportion of glowing to non-glowing animals at different depths, with various groups of animals responsible for light pr...
A new study published in Nature reveals that matching tumor size to the strength of the immune response can enhance treatment outcomes for melanoma patients. The research found that larger tumors require a stronger immune response to shrink, providing insights into why some patients don't respond to immunotherapy.
A HKU palaeontologist and his team reconstructed the first highly detailed body outline of a feathered dinosaur using high-definition images of its preserved soft tissues. The technique, known as Laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF), reveals the shape of the dinosaur's wings, legs and foot scales with unprecedented detail.
Scientists used X-ray laser pulses to investigate how energy from light transforms a molecule, revealing a mechanism for protecting biomolecules against light-induced damage. The research provides insight into excited state proton transfers in DNA and other molecules.
A new study reveals significant variations in peripheral vision among individuals, impacting tasks like reading and recognizing objects. Researchers propose that these differences originate early in visual development and are influenced by genetics and environment.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an organic catalyst that generates amino acid derivatives in high yields with precise stereochemical control. A slight structural change in the catalyst leads to inversion of a single stereocenter, enabling access to specific diastereomers.
High levels of protein Id1 suppresses brown fat's burning ability by binding to key regulators, leading to increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Conversely, lack of Id1 promotes conversion of white fat to healthier beige fat.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that malicious websites and installed apps can crack four-digit PINs with a 70% accuracy using smartphone sensor data. The study revealed that people are unaware of the risks, and despite industry awareness, no solution has been found yet.
New research reveals that obesity influences blood tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, particularly in women with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found greater BMI was associated with increased CRP levels in these individuals.
A new study suggests that high deer populations in England are damaging the natural habitat needed by many ground-nesting woodland birds. Eating wild venison could help reduce deer numbers and support the re-emergence of these species, according to University of Nottingham ecologist Dr Markus Eichhorn.
The Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) shows promise in representing actual precipitation events, with ~28% of AWS snow height measurements reproduced. Significant correlation was found between AMPS and AWS coincident event sizes at five stations.
Researchers from NUS develop a novel ultra-thin multilayer film that harnesses the properties of tiny magnetic whirls, known as skyrmions, as information carriers. The invention could lead to more energy-efficient and faster data storage devices.
A mouse experiment revealed that hydroxytyrosol, a compound found in extra-virgin olive oil, can reverse markers of insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed that hydroxytyrosol exerts a protective effect in the liver by improving enzyme activity and fatty acid composition.
A new study at the University of California found that assessing and comparing radiation doses across hospitals can lead to significantly lower doses for common CT scans. The project resulted in substantially lower radiation doses for chest and abdominal scans, as well as more consistent radiation doses for head scans.
A study published in Pediatrics found that obesity significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure in Hispanic adolescents, with a prevalence rate nearly six times higher than in non-Hispanic peers. Researchers attribute this disparity to lack of data on health risks for Hispanic youth.
Cholera cases in East Africa increase by roughly 50,000 during El Niño years due to increased rainfall and vulnerable water systems. This research can help health ministries anticipate future cholera surges and save lives.
A new study found a link between neurological birth defects in infants and several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Researchers also identified a medicine that could treat these diseases by reducing misfolded proteins.
Researchers found a genetic variant associated with reduced HPV infection and cervical cancer risk in Saudi Arabia. This variant may be more common in populations with lower cervical cancer incidence rates.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to make highly detailed images of internal body structures using light-emitting particles called quantum dots. The particles emit infrared light and can capture video footage of blood flow, allowing for the detection of individual blood cells and the tracking of tumor development.
Researchers at IBS prove the accuracy of a gene editing method that substitutes one nucleotide in the genome, finding it more accurate than CRISPR-Cas9. The technique caused fewer off-target changes, indicating its potential for widespread use.
A team from CRAG has found that the regulation of protein activity through SUMOylation is crucial for plants to protect themselves against fungal infections. Plants with compromised SUMOylation show increased susceptibility to necrotrophic fungal infections.
A modified Fistula Risk Score (FRS) based on ACS NSQIP data helps surgeons identify high-risk patients for anastomotic leak after pancreas resection. The risk score also assesses the quality of patient care and evaluates new interventions to prevent fistula development.
Researchers found a 30% increased risk of pneumonia in patients with Alzheimer's disease taking benzodiazepines, particularly within the first 30 days of treatment. The study suggests that benzodiazepines' sedative nature may increase the risk of pneumonia by increasing saliva or food aspiration into the lungs.
Scientists have gained insight into the NS5 protein of Zika virus, a crucial enzyme involved in viral replication. The study reveals its structure and function, as well as comparisons with other related viruses, which will aid in the search for compounds to halt virus reproduction.
Research on osteoporosis medications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) found mixed results regarding benefits and harms. Bisphosphonates may slow BMD loss but effects on fractures and safety are unclear. More research is needed to determine the best options for patients across CKD spectrum.
White blood cells use their nuclei to exert force and insert themselves between endothelial cells, creating large holes in the blood vessel walls. This discovery sheds light on the movement of immune cells and may aid in cancer research.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science directly observed crystallization process on molecular level, validating recent theories and showing that knowing how crystal grows can predict end structure. The study found that dense phases lead to lower energy barrier and more stable crystals.
Researchers developed a new method for programming proteins used in vaccines against infectious diseases, enabling stable production and lower costs. The approach has shown promising results in animal trials, provoking a protective immune response.
Cytomegalovirus has evolved to hide from the immune system by presenting decoy markers, tricking NK cells into thinking infected cells are healthy. The immune system responds by evolving new mechanisms to detect and kill the virus, including a molecule called NK1.1.
Researchers discovered a separate mechanism in the brain that deals only with chronic stress, involving a small group of nerve cells in the paraventricular nucleus. The CRFR1 system is thought to play a role in regulating cortisol levels and may be involved in depression, with patients having more of this receptor than average.