A new study from Penn researchers found a strong association between high moral reasoning and increased activity in the brain's reward system. This link suggests that positive motivations towards others play a crucial role in moral reasoning development, with higher levels of morality linked to more advanced principles and ethical rules.
Priyashree Roy has been awarded the 2016 Jefferson Science Associates Thesis Prize for her experimental research on proton excited states. Her thesis work produced new information useful to researchers, including 10 previously measured polarization observables.
Researchers at MIT CSAIL developed an interactive design system called Interactive Robogami that allows users to design and 3D-print custom robots in minutes. The system uses simulations, algorithms, and interactive feedback to ensure feasible designs and guarantee stability and speed.
A study by Stanford researchers found that a widely used mouse model of the human immune system is inadequate for studying stem cell transplants. The humanized mice, engineered to have a human-like immune system, failed to robustly reject genetically mismatched human stem cells, making them unsuitable for studying immunosuppressive drugs.
A sophisticated mechanism allows plant roots to quickly respond to changes in soil conditions via the interactions of two antagonistic hormones, auxin and cytokinin. Cells sense relative changes in auxin levels to determine their location within the root and trigger a switch from cell division to elongation.
A team of researchers has developed a novel type of memory called magnetoelectric memory, which reduces energy consumption by a factor of 10,000. This breakthrough technology could enable instant device startup and lower energy costs in computing hardware applications.
A study found associations between parental BMIs and offspring metabolic traits, but the link was not significantly stronger for maternal BMI, arguing against an intra-uterine mechanism. After accounting for offspring BMI, the data suggested that familial factors rather than intra-uterine overnutrition explain the relationship.
A team of scientists has identified all the genes required for Methylobacterium extorquens to live on methanol. The bacterium can use either larger carbon molecules or methanol from plants as a nutrient, depending on availability.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai and NeuroVision LLC have developed an experimental optical imaging system that detects retinal beta-amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study found a 4.7-fold increase in retinal plaque burden in patients with Alzheimer's compared to controls.
A recent paper revisits an idea proposed by Chinese meteorologist Duzheng Yeh in 1959 about abrupt seasonal changes in the general circulation. The study's authors successfully reproduce these transitions without lower-boundary inhomogeneities, sparking questions about their underlying causes.
Scientists at IBS conceptualized an ideal material that could store data for an exceptionally long time, bringing new hints for future quantum memory technologies. The material has a special architecture of energy levels for its electrons, enabling exponentially longer storage than current devices.
Researchers at NYU Tandon have devised an application called IllusionPIN that uses a hybrid-image keyboard to make it difficult for observers to discern PINs or access codes. The technology was tested in simulated shoulder-surfing attacks, with no successful attempts made.
Researchers discover wild sheep bones in Black Desert excavation site, revealing a previously unknown population of the species in eastern Jordan. The finding suggests that the region was capable of supporting a variety of resources, including wild sheep, during the Late Pleistocene.
Researchers found an anti-sense RNA that regulates myelin genes and promotes demyelination after nerve injury. This discovery could lead to a new therapy by manipulating AS-RNA expression to restore complete nerve function.
The Oropouche virus is a serious public health risk for Brazil, spreading to major cities after being confined to villages in the Amazon. The virus causes acute fever and may lead to meningitis and meningoencephalitis.
A new longitudinal study suggests that high-quality friendships during adolescence can predict better mental health outcomes in young adulthood. Teens with stronger close friendships tend to experience lower social anxiety and increased self-worth, while those who are popular in high school may be more prone to social anxiety later on.
Researchers discovered that microgravity inhibits cartilage formation, while cyclic hydrostatic pressure increases cartilage production. This finding has significant implications for regenerating cartilage in space travelers and patients on prolonged bed rest or paralyzed due to trauma.
Hurricane Kenneth's strongest storms were pushed away from the center due to vertical wind shear, causing a rapid weakening of the hurricane. The National Hurricane Center expects Kenneth to weaken rapidly over the next day or two, potentially becoming post-tropical in 2-3 days.
Researchers developed self-powered, paper-based devices that detect biomarkers and identify diseases with high accuracy. The devices use electrochemical analyses powered by the user's touch and can be used in remote villages or military bases without requiring electricity or additional equipment.
Researchers found progressive differences between the brains of athletes in non-contact, contact, and collision sports, including reduced communication between brain areas. The study suggests that participation in contact sports may affect the brain, but does not reflect significantly impaired day-to-day functioning.
A team of researchers found a 176% increase in aboveground biomass within the 3-hectare area studied, with the orange peels enriching the soil's nutrients and promoting tree growth. The study demonstrates the unique power of agricultural waste to regenerate forests and sequester carbon at no cost.
The UMass Amherst researcher will lead a multi-university project to design artificial autonomous systems with potential applications in personalized medicine and other areas. The goal is to mimic nature's mechanisms for autonomous responses, enabling new innovations and capabilities.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that adolescents at risk for obesity have reduced neural activity in attention and self-regulation circuits. The researchers used fMRI to investigate the relationship between neurological activity and risk for obesity, suggesting that interventions targeting self-regulatory systems may be a ...
Researchers discovered four major outburst floods at Lake Catalina, releasing up to 240 Hiroshima-bombs' worth of energy. The next flood is predicted to occur soon, possibly in 2018-19, with scientists attributing the increase to global warming and glacier melt.
A new study published in JAMA found that oral steroids do not reduce the duration or severity of symptoms in non-asthmatic adults with acute chest infections. Researchers compared 398 participants who received prednisolone for five days to those receiving a placebo, and found no significant difference in symptom improvement.
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that different firing patterns of neurons alter proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors, which provide insulation to neuronal axons. The findings suggest a complex interplay between neurons and non-neuronal cells supporting them.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a high-throughput technique that can determine the potential toxicity of chemicals in seconds, enabling prioritization for in-depth testing. This approach accelerates the identification of environmentally hazardous chemicals and could significantly expedite screening.
Engineers at MIT found that organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes encounter different types of resistance in cytoplasm based on size and speed. The researchers developed a phase diagram to describe the material properties of cytoplasm from an organelle's perspective, which may aid in pharmaceutical designs.
Scientists use computer simulations to analyze the evolution of plate tectonics on Earth over the past 3 billion years. They demonstrate that continents have been recycled and transformed throughout history.
A new meta-analysis finds that plant-based vegetarian diets are linked to lower total cholesterol and reduced risk of heart disease. The study highlights the benefits of a well-planned vegan diet, which can lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved cardiovascular health.
A new study led by a University of Kansas marketing researcher found that consumers tend to prefer wider product faces, such as watches and cars, in situations where they feel the need to project dominance. In contrast, narrower faces are often associated with feelings of threat or intimidation.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new process that makes it possible to produce magnesium alloys for structural car parts. The ShAPE process enhances the material's energy absorption and ductility, making it a viable alternative to aluminum in certain applications.
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf simulated the conditions inside Neptune and found diamonds forming in real time using an ultra-strong X-ray laser. The study provides insights into the planet's chemical makeup and has potential applications for electronic instruments, medical procedures, and industrial production.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of Wilms tumor identified genetic mutations involving a large number of genes, converging into two major pathways that lead to cancer. The study offers new opportunities for treatment by targeting these processes instead of individual genes.
A new study from Lund University reveals that both humans and chimpanzees engage in similar levels of imitation in zoo settings, suggesting a more complex understanding of ape cognition than previously thought. The study highlights the social and communicative role of imitation in these species.
Research from the University of Liverpool reveals video game players excel in accuracy and confidence decisions as UAS operators. Professional pilots also perform well, but with less overconfidence compared to VGPs.
Remnants of former Tropical Storm Harvey are being tracked by NASA's GOES-East satellite as they move west across the Caribbean Sea. The National Hurricane Center predicts a medium chance of re-forming into a tropical cyclone within two days.
Scientists identify a novel RNA molecule, Singheart, which regulates genes controlling heart cell repair. This discovery may lead to new treatments for heart failure and could potentially heal the heart like skin wounds.
The Minnesota Heart Safe Communities program has shown significant improvements in CPR and AED use among individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. In communities that met guidelines, 95% received CPR and 77% had an AED applied prior to EMS arrival.
A new study has identified fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a potential target for treating alcoholic liver disease. The research found that FGF21 levels increase in the blood after alcohol consumption, providing protection against liver damage.
Researchers developed neural networks to evaluate short narratives, improving predictions over a baseline system. The AIs classified texts into popular and non-popular categories, highlighting the importance of understanding story structures in narrative evaluation.
Researchers found significant microstructural changes in brain structure from early to mid-adulthood, allowing for accurate age estimation. These changes were associated with cognitive decline and disease, but the link to old-age cognitive decline is unclear.
Scientists estimate that a massive asteroid impact could have triggered 2 years of darkness on Earth, shutting down photosynthesis and drastically cooling the planet. The research found that soot in the atmosphere would have blocked sunlight, causing a steep decline in average temperatures.
A new study by CAMH estimates nearly 8 out of 1,000 children globally have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The prevalence varies by country, with Eastern Mediterranean Region having the highest levels at nearly 20 cases per 1,000 children.
A study of healthy young men found that brain reward system activation dips at 2 p.m., contrary to previous research showing peak mood during this time. This timing may impact the treatment of disorders like depression, substance abuse, and sleep disturbances.
A University of Utah-led study finds that targeted forest regeneration can increase the survival time of bird communities up to 56-fold in two biodiversity hotspots. The cost of regeneration is estimated between $21 and $49 million dollars, offering a high return on investment for biodiversity conservation.
A new international collaboration aims to identify common neurodevelopmental pathways and probable environmental triggers for cerebral palsy. The group is pooling data from genetically and clinically characterized cases to lay the groundwork for clinical trials and better management of the condition.
The FANTOM5 project has created an extensive atlas of microRNA expression in human primary cells, providing insights into the intricate regulatory network governing cellular function and behavior. The atlas reveals thousands of new genomic loci producing short RNAs, which may constitute a novel class of regulatory short RNAs.
A new study from the University of California San Diego suggests that the moon's interior is likely very dry, contradicting recent findings of wetness. The researchers analyzed fragments of the 'Rusty Rock,' a lunar rock collected during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972.
Scientists have discovered a plethora of chemical compounds in avocado seed husks, which could be used to treat debilitating diseases. The researchers found compounds like behenyl alcohol, heptacosane, and dodecanoic acid, which may inhibit tumor cell growth and increase HDL levels.
A recent study found that tumor-infiltrating immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells (Tregs), can interfere with immune-targeting therapies in aggressive breast cancers. Depleting Tregs delayed tumor growth in mouse models, suggesting a potential strategy to improve targeted treatments.
Research suggests that people prioritize products with more reviews, regardless of their quality, due to a popularity bias. This can lead to poor purchasing decisions, as statistical models recommend choosing products with fewer reviews when ratings are low.
The electronic skin microsystem developed by Kyung-In Jang and John A. Rogers tracks heart rate, respiration, muscle movement, and other health data, transmitting it wirelessly to a smartphone. The device offers improved flexibility, smaller size, and self-adhesive properties.
A Rice University study reveals that flowing liquid water below the Antarctic ice appears to play a pivotal role in determining the fate of Antarctic ice streams. The research used sediment cores and precise seafloor maps to uncover an extensive, uncovered, water-carved channel connected to subglacial lakes.
Researchers found that claudin-low triple negative breast cancers have high levels of regulatory T-cells, which suppress the immune system's defenses. They developed a strategy to deplete these cells, combining it with checkpoint inhibitors to slow tumor growth and improve outcomes.
Researchers used a portable macro X-ray fluorescence instrument to analyze an ancient Roman painting, revealing elements such as iron-based pigment and green earth pigment used in the underpainting. The study could help conservators restore the image and preserve ancient artistry for future generations.
Researchers at CHEO identified sedation medications and practices associated with the best clinical outcomes, making ketamine-alone a logical choice for providing procedural sedation to children. The study found that choice of sedation medication had the biggest impact on the incidence of adverse events.
Researchers have developed a new algorithm that allows AI to collect error reports and correct them immediately, without affecting existing skills. This enables robots to learn from their mistakes and spread new knowledge amongst themselves.
Researchers successfully grew meter-sized single-crystal graphene on industrial Cu foils, overcoming the challenge of polycrystalline films. The technique improves domain alignment and quality through a temperature-gradient-driving method and oxygen supply.
Researchers use complex ecosystem model to predict whale numbers by 2100, finding some species will not recover, while others like humpbacks are expected to make full recovery. Southern Hemisphere whaling has led to slow growth rates and reduced populations in several species.