Research suggests a connection between psoriasis and psychiatric illnesses, with inflammation being a key underlying factor. Psoriasis patients are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts due to the debilitating nature of their condition.
Hydrogeologist David Boutt has been named the Birdsall-Dreiss Distinguished Lecturer for 2018 by the Geological Society of America's Hydrogeology Division. He will give a 12-month national and international speaking tour, including stops in Asia, Europe, and South America.
A randomized trial in Sri Lanka found that secure storage of pesticides had no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide. A review of global policies concluded that bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Secure storage is not a sufficient solution to this public health problem.
A NJIT researcher is leading a global ham radio experiment to study the effects of the solar eclipse on Earth's ionosphere. He will contact a network of ham radio operators worldwide to test their high frequency signals and measure the eclipse's impact.
Researchers are developing software called ThermalTracker to automatically categorize birds and bats in thermal video. The system can help developers and regulators make informed decisions about siting and operating offshore wind projects, reducing uncertainty about potential impacts on wildlife.
A recent study found that imagining an action between two objects and its potential consequence can improve memory performance. Older adults who learned to use this strategy showed significant improvements, suggesting a promising approach for personalized memory rehabilitation.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh used computer simulations to predict chemical compounds in Neptune's mantle, finding ammonia hemihydrate as a likely component. The discovery sheds light on the extreme conditions and chemistry of ice giants, influencing future studies.
Scientists have discovered a specific type of immune regulatory cell, T follicular regulatory cells (Tfr), in patients with Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease. Blood Tfr cells are immature and unable to suppress antibody production, but their levels increase in response to flu vaccine exposure.
Researchers at Allina Health have found robotic-assisted surgery to be effective and safe for a select group of patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy. The study, which analyzed data from 100 patients, highlights the benefits of robotic technology in improving surgical outcomes.
Scientists at the University of Vienna and Tel Aviv have conducted the first experiment testing standard quantum theory with massive molecules, placing upper bounds on higher-order interference. The researchers used a nanofabricated mask to create a diffraction pattern that followed expectations of standard quantum mechanics.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered two semiconductors that can form high-quality insulators when exposed to oxygen, a trait shared by silicon but not other semiconductors. The new materials can be shrunk to atomic thinness and require less energy than silicon circuits, making them ideal for future devices.
A new study reveals a 34% increase in overdose-related ICU admissions between 2009 and 2015, with average cost of care rising by 58%. The opioid epidemic has made patients sicker and killed more people despite intensive care, researchers say.
Researchers at Utah State University have developed a novel design for an inflatable speedboat that utilizes elastic materials to absorb wave energy and reduce the impact on passengers. The study reveals unique differences in water-impact behavior between rigid and elastic bodies.
A USC-led study published in PNAS has revealed a molecular 'how to' guide for driving individual skin cells to self-organize into organoids that can produce hair. The researchers successfully stimulated adult organoids to continue their development and produce 40% more hair than newborn organoids.
Scientists have uncovered the secret behind goldfish's remarkable ability to produce alcohol as a way of surviving harsh winters. The fish convert anaerobically produced lactic acid into ethanol, allowing them to avoid dangerous build-ups in their bodies.
Temple University Hospital is introducing an endoscopic keyhole craniotomy approach for treating tegmen dehiscence and temporal encephalocele, two rare conditions affecting the skull. This innovative method reduces skin incision size, retraction on the temporal lobe, and risk of brain injury.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that reducing algae-causing nutrients in agricultural runoff can take up to 30-40 years to have a desired impact. Despite decreasing nutrient inputs, water quality has been slow to respond, with some watersheds taking decades to see significant improvements.
A new study by Drexel University found that opioid users are 50% more likely to receive treatment and have it paid for by insurance under Obamacare. The study analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, showing a significant increase in access to care and insurance coverage since the ACA's implementation.
A study by Duke University researchers found that one-third of insured cancer patients pay more out-of-pocket than expected, despite health coverage. This 'financial toxicity' can lead to decreased treatment adherence and worsen mental and physical state.
Researchers are developing VR applications to enhance spacecraft design, analysis, and mission planning. These projects utilize augmented reality to integrate camera views and telemetry data in one location, allowing technicians to operate robotic arms more efficiently.
A new Yale-led study reveals that people with schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses exhibit altered brain activity when induced to hallucinate. The study suggests that the ability to learn these hallucinations are not real may help identify those in need of psychiatric treatment.
Researchers used algae modeling to study competing ideologies and their survival rates. They found that a balance between offensive and defensive strategies is key, with a 50-50 mix being the most effective.
Research reveals that a minority of users' tweets account for the majority of influence, with opinion leaders forming a virtual community that shapes information spread. The study suggests targeting this community for effective advertising on social media platforms like Twitter.
Researchers call for consistent, robust standards for developing meta-analyses due to the dramatic increase in published studies. The American Heart Association recommends improving quality through technical guidelines and emphasizing the need for statistical expertise and clear justifications.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a public divided on the use of human genome editing, with some supporting its therapeutic applications and others opposing enhancement. However, most respondents agreed that conversations about the technology are necessary to address its moral and regulatory implications.
A study by Vienna University of Technology reveals that climate change has a real impact on flood events in some regions, causing them to shift in timing. The magnitude of the flood does not provide enough information to detect the impact of climate change, whereas the timing provides valuable insights into its effects.
The new TRI Analyzer can perform lab-grade medical diagnostic tests on patient blood, urine, or saliva samples as reliably as clinic-based instruments. The device, costing $550, analyzes samples using the power of a smartphone's camera and illuminates sample fluids with an internal LED flash or external laser diode.
Researchers demonstrate method for multiplexing data carried on terahertz waves, transmitting two real-time video signals at an aggregate data rate of 50 gigabits per second. The terahertz multiplexer uses a waveguide with metal plates to separate data streams based on frequency and angle.
A new version of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique has been developed to correct molecular mistakes that lead to microsatellite repeat expansion diseases. The approach eliminated 95% or more of RNA foci linked to myotonic dystrophy and other diseases in laboratory models and patient-derived cells.
Simulations show that a temperature gradient can displace nanoparticles on graphene membranes, with the force acting like a ballistic wave. Researchers discovered a new phenomenon called thermophoresis ballistic, where vertical thermal oscillations push objects horizontally.
A new study suggests that auditory hallucinations may arise from top-down brain processing, driven by strong associations between sensory inputs and mental concepts. Participants who experienced hallucinations showed strong beliefs about the association, which drove their tone hallucinations.
Researchers found that bullying can cause significant changes in sleep patterns, including increased bouts of paradoxical sleep and flattened body temperature fluctuations. These effects persisted even after the mice were removed from the threatening environment, suggesting a long-term impact on mental health.
Researchers have developed a new way to map differences in brain cells by analyzing chemical modifications in their DNA. The study identified 16 subtypes of neurons in mice and 21 in humans, offering new insights into the diversity of brain cell types and potential for understanding brain development and dysfunction.
Researchers found that seasnakes living in polluted areas have darker skin, which helps them bind and rid their bodies of contaminants. This is an example of industrial melanism, where dark-colored varieties thrive in industrial environments.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have made a groundbreaking discovery in the search for energy-efficient information storage. By controlling the chirality of magnetic domain walls using an electric field, they have opened up new possibilities for non-volatile information processing and storage technology.
Researchers have found a way to make plants resistant to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae oryzae that causes rice blight. The team discovered that blocking the pathogen's access to sugar stores in plants can starve them out, preventing multiplication.
Scientists have identified new subtypes of brain cells in mice and humans using DNA analysis, revealing a complex diversity of neurons. This breakthrough opens the door to understanding how many types of neurons exist, which could lead to improved treatments for brain-related diseases.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a method for computers to mine databases of patents, inventions, and research papers to identify ideas that can be repurposed. This approach uses crowdsourcing and deep learning to analyze product descriptions and find analogous products, leading to innovative solutions.
A breakthrough method has yielded a trove of neuronal subtypes and gene regulators in the brain, using molecular profiling to detect epigenetic regulation. This discovery opens the door to potentially discovering changes linked to brain disorders and compiling the brain's 'parts list'.
A new approach to assess renal function in term newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy identifies early stages of AKI. Approximately 69% of infants did not develop kidney failure, while 19% showed a slower serum creatinine decline rate matching those with established AKI.
Researchers genetically engineered ants to lack their sense of smell, finding they couldn't communicate, forage or compete for queen status. This discovery promises to advance understanding of social communication and its relation to human disorders like autism and depression.
A 3,000-year-old female statue was discovered at the Tayinat archaeological site in Turkey, measuring over 1 meter long and 0.7 meters wide. The statue features intricate carvings and is believed to represent a prominent matriarchal figure, possibly Kubaba or Kupapiyas, wife of King Suppiluliuma.
Researchers developed a test that detects Zika virus presence in blood in minutes, using gold nanorods on paper. The test relies on an immune response caused by the virus and doesn't require refrigeration, making it suitable for resource-limited settings.
Researchers found that aged stem cells reprogram their circadian functions to focus on tissue repair and stress response, rather than maintenance. A low-calorie diet also preserves the rhythmic functions of stem cells.
A new nanocoating technique developed by KAIST researchers uses plant-derived polyphenol to extend the shelf life of produce. The sprayable nanocoating process has been shown to significantly prolong postharvest shelf life, preserving freshness beyond 28 days and 58 hours for certain fruits.
A recent study found that belief in neuromyths, such as seeing letters backwards being a sign of dyslexia, is prevalent among educators, the public, and those with neuroscience training. Training in education and neuroscience helps reduce these false beliefs.
Lung cancer clinical trials have complex requirements that act as a barrier to development and patient enrollment. A retrospective study found an increase in eligibility criteria for medical therapy trials, particularly for cardiac, concurrent medications, and immunotherapy-related treatments.
Researchers found that piling sounds stress sea bass, causing them to fail to react to predators while drilling sounds cause them to actively avoid areas with these noises. This exposure can also impair their ability to detect food and has potential effects on reproduction.
Korean researchers have identified the early neuropathic mechanism of polyglutamine brain disease and suggested a way to restore. Dendritic-specific Golgi plays a core role in the early neuropathy of degenerative brain diseases.
Studies of microbe DNA structure reveal surprising similarities to human DNA folding, suggesting an early common ancestor. The discovery hints at the evolutionary origins of genome folding in eukaryotes.
Researchers created a human stem cell-based model of Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome to identify underlying genetic mechanisms and test existing drugs. Two FDA-approved HIV antiretroviral drugs showed promise in rescuing mutated cells, offering hope for future clinical trials.
A study using ancient DNA from domesticated turkeys found that many Ancestral Pueblo people migrated to the Northern Rio Grande region after Mesa Verde's collapse. The genetic composition of northern Rio Grande turkeys changed substantially before and after the migration, suggesting the people took their turkeys with them.
A clinical trial shows promise for treating Niemann-Pick type C by slowing disease progression with cyclodextrin. The study found significant improvements in gait, cognition, and speech, with half of patients experiencing no worsening or improvement in neurological severity score.
NASA analyzed data from Tropical Storm Franklin before it made landfall in east-central Mexico, revealing intense storms with tops reaching heights of over 9.4 miles. The analysis showed heavy rainfall rates of over 2.4 inches per hour in bands around the storm's southwestern side.
Researchers discovered two previously unknown brain areas involved in face recognition, which integrate visual perception with memory and social knowledge. The brain's response to familiar faces is distinct from visually familiar ones, with a sudden 'aha' moment when recognizing a long-known acquaintance.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that controlling car ventilation can significantly reduce pollutant exposure during commutes. Using portable instruments and sensors, they measured pollutant levels inside and outside cars during daily commutes, finding that running the AC reduced pollutants by 20-34%.
A new study reveals that regulatory T cells can either suppress or reactivate latent cytomegalovirus in different mouse tissues, such as the spleen and salivary gland. Depletion of these immune cells reduced viral load in the spleen but increased it in the salivary gland.
Researchers at Rockefeller University created genetically altered ants to explore the evolutionary roots of ant social behavior. The study found that a gene essential for sensing pheromones is crucial for pheromone detection and social organization, leading to behavioral abnormalities in mutant ants.
After stem cell therapy, tests like SPEP/SIFE and SFLCA may yield oligoclonal patterns that resemble the original monoclonal antibody spike. However, this is a normal response to treatment, not recurrence of the disease. The key clarifier lies in tracking the location of the malignant spike before and after treatment.
A new study suggests that human-caused warming is very likely responsible for the recent streak of record-breaking temperatures. The likelihood of experiencing consecutive record-breaking global temperatures from 2014 to 2016 without the effects of human-caused climate change is no greater than 0.03 percent.