Advanced neuroimaging techniques provide a basis for studying circuit-level abnormalities in psychiatric disorders. Recent large-scale research projects, including the Human Connectome Project, have focused on defining and mapping brain functional connections.
Researchers at New Zealand's University of Otago have discovered that Natural Killer (NK) cells act as helper cells to start the immune response, patrolling the body to destroy abnormal cells. The NK cells' ability to recognize fragments of tumor cells released into the blood enhances the immune system's recognition of these fragments,...
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that contagious yawning is triggered automatically by primitive reflexes in the primary motor cortex. Their study showed that individuals' propensity for contagious yawning is determined by cortical excitability and physiological inhibition, with limited ability to resist yawns.
A new study shows that untreated sleep apnea increases blood sugar, fat levels, stress hormones, and blood pressure while participants slept. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is recommended to prevent these consequences.
A new study found that protecting unauthorized immigrant mothers from deportation significantly improved the mental health of their U.S. citizen children, with over 50% fewer diagnosis of adjustment disorders and anxiety. The researchers suggest that a broader analysis of the DACA program is needed to account for intergenerational effe...
Research by American University neuroscience Professor Colin Saldanha shows that estrogen synthesis in the brains of zebra finches can fight off neuroinflammation caused by infection. This finding reveals clues about the interplay between the body's neuroendocrine and immune systems.
A new study has detected high concentrations of antidepressants and their metabolites in the brain tissue of fish species in the Niagara River, raising environmental concerns. The levels of these drugs have accumulated over time, posing a risk to biodiversity.
A new Concordia University study uses NASA data to predict Montreal's future climate, showing increased spatial variability and intensity of climate impacts. The research highlights the need for local design and management approaches to address climate change, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have found that asthma medicine can halve a patient's risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed over 100 million Norwegian prescriptions and discovered a link between asthma medicine and reduced Parkinson's risk.
Researchers found that inflammation originating from abdominal fat precedes the development of sleep apnea in adolescence. Weight loss and anti-inflammatory medication have also been shown to reduce apnea severity. The study suggests biological-based interventions may be more effective for mild to moderate cases.
Researchers discover that coyote populations are difficult to control due to increased immigration of younger animals vying for territories. The population's reduced reproductive capacity, largely composed of juveniles that rarely breed, contributes to the challenge.
Stanford University scientists have created a compound solar cell with perovskite microcells encapsulated in hexagonal scaffolds, inspired by the insect compound eye. The design increases fracture resistance without compromising efficiency, and the cells withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered the potential of a protein called Nischarin to treat or prevent metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The findings showed that Nischarin interacts with and controls the activity of a gene called AMPK, leading to improved glucose and insulin tolerance.
Lim's work impacts public through real-world applications, including neural fiber mapping and Human Connectome Project. He received multiple awards for his research on tensors, hypermatrices, and computational geometry/topology.
A recent study published in Sleep Medicine suggests that mothers' insomnia symptoms are closely related to their children's sleep quality. Researchers found that children of mothers with insomnia symptoms tend to fall asleep later and have poorer sleep, suggesting a strong influence of maternal behavior on children's sleep habits.
A study published by The BMJ found that staying in education is associated with a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Increasing the number of years spent in education may lower this risk by a substantial amount, say the authors.
Researchers discovered how a bacterial protein loosely binds to a mineral, allowing the bacterium to breathe in oxygen-deprived conditions. The study revealed that this protein interacts relatively weakly with the mineral, requiring less binding energy than typical proteins.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered a family of proteins controlling brain connectivity through multiple checkpoints. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting conditions like autism and epilepsy by regulating neuronal circuits.
Tropical Storm Irma is steadily strengthening and nearing hurricane strength, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 70 mph and a central pressure of 997 millibars. Satellite imagery shows the storm becoming better organized with a developing central dense overcast.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that acute myeloid leukemia causes bone marrow to 'leak' blood, preventing chemotherapy from working. Drugs that reversed this leakiness boosted chemotherapy's effect in mice and human tissue.
A systematic review found that indoor spraying had some effect on either mosquito populations or dengue case numbers, with stronger evidence for adult mosquito populations. The study concluded that more research is needed, but the results are promising as a vector control method.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that patients with limited health literacy are more likely to visit the emergency department for potentially avoidable reasons. The researchers propose that targeted interventions can reduce preventable ED visits and improve healthcare efficiency.
Gut microbes produce proteins that regulate NFIL3's circadian cycling, controlling fat absorption and export. This interaction may shed light on why disrupted clocks increase risk for obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new automated method that significantly reduces the time to dissect the 3D structure of a single cell, from one week to about an hour. This enables the detailed study of cellular processes and disease, leading to a better understanding of cellular architecture and structures.
A new study published in the Journal of Motor Behavior found that Perceptual Control Theory can significantly improve performance in sports and other activities. The theory argues that teaching people what to do is less effective than teaching them how to picture the desired outcome.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) was less effective than escitalopram, an antidepressant, in treating depression. The researchers concluded that tDCS cannot be recommended as first-line therapy due to its lack of efficacy and adverse side effects.
Researchers confirm zoonotic transmission of Plasmodium simium in 28 human cases in the Atlantic Forest region of southern Brazil, where malaria was previously thought to be eliminated. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the natural history and biology of the parasites in their non-human primate hosts.
Researchers discovered that a particular receptor in kidney cells plays a crucial role in obesity-induced kidney damage. Targeting this receptor or its associated signaling pathway may help protect the kidneys of individuals with obesity from structural and functional changes, thereby reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein, EroS, that induces mating behavior in single-celled organisms called choanoflagellates. Swarming among these unicellular organisms precedes sexual reproduction, and the protein's enzymatic function is responsible for this change.
A dramatic drop in Antarctic sea ice in 2016 was caused by a unique combination of factors, including a strong El Niño event and unusually weak winds around the South Pole. The area of sea ice decreased to its lowest level in 40 years, with ocean temperatures also being unusually warm.
Plant miRNAs in beebread/pollen delay honeybee caste differentiation and keep ovaries inactive, inducing sterile worker bees. This study reveals a new mechanism for RNA regulation in insect development.
Scientists have developed a new algorithm that can mirror a microgrid's inertia by adjusting the photovoltaic system's direct current. The solution aims to make microgrids work like large power grids with high inertia, improving stability and reliability.
The Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) at Iowa State University has introduced a new model for developing biorenewable technologies. By identifying 'bioprivileged molecules' with unique properties, researchers aim to create value from biomass and expand the bioproduct horizon beyond petrochemicals.
A new article suggests that bilingual children from low-income homes are at risk of falling behind their peers in developing language skills, leading to poorer academic performance. The research recommends community resources, parent training programs, and innovative technologies to foster language development in these children.
Typhoon Sanvu developed a massive eye, approximately 28 nautical miles wide, as observed by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm strengthened to maximum sustained winds near 86 mph, forecast to reach 103 mph before weakening.
Researchers identified beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists as compounds that can suppress alpha-synuclein gene expression, reducing the genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that widely used beta-2AR agonists should be rigorously tested in PD patients.
Researchers found that mind wandering occurs in 70% of drivers during a simulation, causing distinctive brain activity. Drivers are often unaware of their mental drift, which can impair reaction time and increase road traffic crashes. The study suggests that autonomous transport systems may be an option to improve safety.
Researchers found that honeybees fed plant microRNA supplements developed more slowly and had smaller bodies than those not receiving the supplements. The study reveals a previously unknown function of plant microRNAs in fine-tuning larval development.
A new pathway to target Parkinson's disease has been identified, leveraging beta2-adrenergic agonists that lower alpha-synuclein production. Studies in mice and human health records suggest a 34% reduced PD risk for patients taking salbutamol.
A study found that symptoms from multiple illnesses, such as depression and fatigue, can affect an older adult's ability to function. Non-drug behavioral treatments may be effective in managing these symptoms and improving overall well-being.
A new study reveals that reef fish are less affected by ocean acidification than previously thought. The researchers used a laboratory setting to mimic natural daily changes in water chemistry, which provided fish with a recovery period and reduced their sensitivity to higher carbon dioxide levels.
Research supports e-cigarette use as a smoking cessation aid with consistent daily use increasing the odds of quit success by 10%, but those using e-cigarettes less frequently face lower quit rates.
Research finds that people tend to lean more economically conservative when they're angry, as anger enhances support for economic conservatism by making them more competitive. Additionally, studies show that being reminded of gratitude can lead to more economically liberal responses.
A new study suggests that the Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was caused by volcanic carbon emissions, resulting in a rapid doubling of atmospheric CO2. The event, which lasted around 150 thousand years, saw global temperatures increase by at least 5oC.
A comparative analysis of trauma data from India and the US reveals that women in India are nearly 40 times more likely to die after being assaulted. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including delayed medical attention and unequal access to healthcare services.
A new assessment predicts fracture risk for patients in long-term care, identifying key factors such as age, mobility, and cognitive impairment. The tool has the potential to standardize fracture prevention efforts and save lives among nursing home residents.
Researchers at Lund University have developed an imaging method that shows changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease at different stages of life. The method uses a PET camera and a trace substance to detect tau protein and can facilitate diagnosis and treatment for younger patients.
The University of Missouri is developing immunizations against bovine anaplasmosis using extracts from tick tissues. The goal is to create sustainable methods to prevent the spread of tick-transmitted diseases.
A new Stanford University study found that protecting unauthorized immigrant parents from deportation leads to dramatic improvements in their children's mental health. Research examined the intergenerational effects of DACA on 8,610 children born between 2003 and 2015.
A new study provides in-depth analysis of human mouth clicks used in echolocation, revealing brief and focused clicks with distinct acoustic patterns. The findings enable the creation of virtual human echolocators, allowing researchers to investigate object features without impractical measurements.
Tropical Storm Lidia is producing heavy rain and life-threatening flash floods in Mexico. Infrared data shows two areas of strong thunderstorms with extremely cold cloud tops, indicating potential for intense rainfall.
A recent experiment by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that native tree species outperformed teak in infertile tropical soils. The study showed that Amarillo (Terminalia amazonia) trees grew exceptionally well, accumulating biomass faster than teak and having excellent timber value.
Researchers found that changing routine boarding protocols could reduce the spread of disease on commercial airliners. A two-zone system where passengers board at random is suggested as a more efficient way to prevent infection.
A recent study found that 3.3% of all emergency department visits were avoidable, with the top causes being alcohol abuse, dental disorders, and depressive disorders. Increasing access to dental and mental health facilities could reduce these visits, providing treatment at a lower cost elsewhere.
A new clinical investigation is testing whether genetic screening can identify patients with a specific mutation who are the best candidates for deep brain stimulation surgery. The study aims to determine how this genetic information can inform surgical decisions and potentially improve outcomes for Parkinson's disease patients.
A new superbug strain, ST11 CR-HvKP, has been discovered in a Hong Kong hospital outbreak, characterized by hyper-resistance and hypervirulence. The strain can cause untreatable and fatal infections in relatively healthy individuals, highlighting the need for improved infection prevention and control policies.
A new method, NLLE, generates ensemble initial perturbations with similar forecast skill to ETKF scheme. It offers a time-saving alternative to ETKF scheme in high-dimensional models.
A comprehensive analysis reveals that changes in daytime versus nighttime leaf-to-air temperatures are crucial determinants of geographic gradients in leaf size. The study's findings have significant implications for predictive modeling and understanding ecosystem functioning, particularly in response to changing climate conditions.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has improved the properties of plant-derived biodegradable plastic, allowing for large-scale industrial production. The approach involves rapidly heating bio-plastic fibers to high temperatures, resulting in enhanced resistance to heat and moisture.
A new study by the University of Warwick and the University of Basel found that children whose mothers suffer from insomnia symptoms fall asleep later, get less sleep, and spend less time in deep sleep. This may affect their mental wellbeing and development.