A new computational model reveals a winner-take-all operation is enabled by a configuration of inhibitory neurons. The model, developed by MIT researchers, uses theoretical computer science to prove that a specific arrangement of inhibitory neurons is necessary for the operation.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify a fundamental role of JAK/STAT signalling pathway in regulating limb development and growth. The study reveals three key functions of JAK/STAT in specifying wing formation and growth, with implications for understanding human congenital diseases.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) improved health care access and utilization among Latinos, but persistent disparities persist. The study suggests expanding the law to undocumented immigrants could help combat these disparities.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased mammography use among all economic subgroups, including those with lower incomes. However, colonoscopy screening rates remained unchanged despite eliminating out-of-pocket expenses under the ACA. The findings suggest that other barriers to colonoscopy access may still exist.
A new NIH-funded study found that in underserved populations, parents' physical activity levels directly correlate with their preschoolers' activity levels. The research suggests interventions could focus on helping parents model an active lifestyle for their children to combat obesity. Low-income and ethnic minority families are dispr...
Scientists at UCL and dunnhumby developed a model to predict when people will try new products, analyzing purchase data from over 280,000 shoppers. The study found that shopping behavior is consistent across product categories, with individuals having individual 'exploration personalities' when they shop.
Rettsyndrome.org has reached a milestone of $40 million in research funding for Rett syndrome treatments. The organization has funded over 40M in high-quality research grants and programs to date.
Research at the University of Iowa shows that high-dose vitamin C selectively kills cancer cells by generating hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species. Cancer cells with low catalase activity are more susceptible to damage and death when exposed to high amounts of vitamin C.
Researchers identified genetic variants that affect Crohn's disease severity, but found these variants do not determine individual risk of developing the condition. The study suggests new pathways for treating established disease.
A study found that adults who performed the recommended amount of weekly physical activity in one or two sessions had lower risks for death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The risk reductions were similar among weekend warriors and insufficiently active adults.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a novel strategy for controlling viral diseases by targeting the interaction between a viral effector protein and a host hormone. The study found that the cucumber mosaic virus manipulates plants to release odors attractive to aphids, which transmit the virus.
A new study from Columbia Business School sheds light on the secret sauce to developing creative ideas, finding that a balance between novelty and familiarity makes an idea more creative. The researchers developed a tool that analyzes word combinations in real-time and recommends words to improve ideas.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that social ecology influences on personal experiences and interactions with family, peers, and healthcare providers hinder young men's use of sexual and reproductive health care. Long wait times, costs, and concerns about privacy also deter seeking care.
A new optomechanical device uses a microscopic silicon disk to confine optical and mechanical waves, achieving high coupling rates and making it highly customizable. The device's design allows for independent tailoring of its performance with different light frequencies or mechanical wave frequencies.
A study published in Diabetes journal found epigenetic changes in the DPP4 gene are associated with fatty liver development in both mice and humans. These changes, detected at six weeks of age, lead to increased enzyme production and correlate with fat content in the liver.
The study reveals that Chinese hydropower operations have significantly altered the Mekong River's dry and wet season flows, affecting its ecological productivity. The changes in river flow have been particularly pronounced since 2014, with the Nuozhadu dam project having the largest impact on downstream Cambodia.
A new review found functional rehabilitation and minimally invasive surgery to be effective treatment options for Achilles tendon tears, especially in recreational athletes. Surgical repair may be optimal for high-performance athletes, offering improved strength and power.
A study found that performing even a third of the recommended activity is beneficial for older adults with arthritis. Participants who achieved a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, per week were 80% more likely to improve or sustain high function over two years.
A new collaboration between UMD and NOAA has developed reference datasets that can be used to calibrate weather satellites. This improvement enables more accurate weather forecasting and monitoring of climate change.
Researchers create new catalytic approach to prepare compounds essential to drug discovery with high selectivity and 20 times less solvent than alternative methods. The new strategy was used to prepare the anti-cancer agent pacritinib, which is now in advanced clinical trials.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that growing multiple algal species helps stabilize biocrude production and makes the system more reliable. However, competition among species often causes mixtures to produce less biocrude than individual species.
A new model developed by researchers at Binghamton University uses cognitive dissonance to help individuals recognize their online addiction and reduce its effects. Increasing users' awareness of the consequences of their behavior can create discomfort, motivating them to exert self-control.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high-cholesterol diet or frequent consumption of eggs do not increase the risk of memory disorders. In fact, egg consumption was associated with better cognitive performance in certain tests.
A new study of 119 children with osteogenesis imperfecta found that bisphosphonate treatment did not change the radiological appearance of femur fractures.
The 'test and treat' scheme aims to reduce GP consultations and antibiotic prescriptions, but lacks robust evaluation and may not be cost-effective. The NHS England plan is based on limited data from a small pilot, which raises concerns about its scalability and potential impact.
A recent study by Cedars-Sinai found that implementing rigorous catheter safeguards can significantly reduce bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. The study, which analyzed data from 113 hospitals, showed a 57% reduction in infection rates while producing net savings of $1.85 million for each site over three years.
Two studies reveal that cancer cells can tolerate genetic mutations by inactivating the BCL9L gene and slowing down division to avoid mistakes, allowing them to thrive and evolve. This understanding may lead to new ways to target cancer cells and improve treatment efficacy.
A new study reveals that liberals and conservatives share similar moral roots, particularly concerning sanctity, making constructive discussion challenging. The findings suggest a stalemate in the culture war due to each side considering certain issues as sacrosanct or fair for revision.
The National Commission on Prevention Priorities releases updated rankings of clinical preventive services, identifying high-impact services for improving population health. The top three services are immunizing children, tobacco-use screening and brief intervention, and alcohol misuse screening with brief intervention.
Greater primary care physician involvement at the end of life is associated with less costly and less intensive care. Regions with more primary care involvement have lower Medicare spending in the last two years of life and fewer ICU days in the last six months.
The Spanish system has made organ donation a routine consideration when a patient dies, with professionals exploring patients' wishes regarding organ donation. The model's success lies in its coordination and organization, making it applicable to other countries with adaptations depending on the healthcare system and factors.
Researchers have discovered that Dab2 controls a population of fat stem cells that slowly disappears with maturity. This finding may reinforce the importance of steering children away from high-fat diets and lead to new pharmaceutical strategies to combat childhood obesity.
Lead acetate, combined with mastic resin and linseed oil, enabled artists to create quick-drying paint layers for the first time. This innovation allowed for faster production times, facilitating the development of modern styles in the 19th century.
A new study suggests that progesterone could be a key to preventing recurrent miscarriage in women who suffer multiple pregnancy losses. Researchers found that micronized plant-derived progesterone improved endometrial function and prevented pregnancy loss.
A research team at Nanjing University found that PKM2 promotes exosome release by phosphorylating SNAP-23, which controls the dock and release of secretory granules or exosome-containing multivesicular bodies. This study demonstrates for the first time that PKM2 plays an essential role in promoting tumor cell exocytosis.
A series of moisture-laden storms has affected the western US, including California and the Pacific Northwest, causing extreme rain events and blanketeting the region in snow. The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snows and periods of rain with potential flooding or flash flooding along the West Coast.
Dutch clinicians have developed a personalized dosing strategy for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, reducing hearing loss from 40% to 10%. By monitoring drug concentrations and effectiveness, they were able to decrease doses without compromising efficacy.
A study found that only 55% of breastfed infants received the recommended daily vitamin D supplementation. Mothers preferred to supplement themselves, citing safety as their top concern. Higher doses of vitamin D could be incorporated into maternal supplementation routines to enrich breast milk and improve intakes in breastfed infants.
Researchers find that methane and other short-lived greenhouse gases impact sea levels for hundreds of years after being cleared from the atmosphere, with some effects even more long-lasting. The study highlights the importance of understanding climate change duration and its consequences for coastal regions.
A new study found that patients given psychological support before heart surgery scored lower on disability tests, had better mental quality-of-life, and reported more physical activity. Personalized support appeared to have the greatest benefit, and a short-term intervention can be easily implemented in cardiac surgery units.
A new study by NOAA-supported researchers has developed a climate-based risk analysis model to predict domoic acid concentrations in shellfish. This model can help seafood industry managers stay ahead of harmful algae events, supporting timely fishery closures or openings and safeguarding public health.
The 'Right Care Series' highlights the extent of overuse and underuse of healthcare services worldwide. Both issues are widespread and often coexist, causing harm to patients and wasting resources. By tackling these problems together, countries can achieve sustainable universal health coverage and ensure that healthcare is a human right.
A team of researchers led by David Cinabro found that Type Ia Supernovas can be used to measure the pace at which the universe expands. The study challenges recent headlines suggesting these explosions cannot be relied upon for this purpose.
A new plant species, Espeletia praesidentis, has been discovered in Colombia's Páramo de Presidente region. The plant was named in honor of President Juan Manuel Santos due to his Nobel Peace Prize achievements, which made the area safe for researchers.
A new mouse model has revealed the role of CCN6 protein in developing metaplastic breast cancer, a rare and aggressive subtype of triple-negative breast cancer. The study identified potential genes to target with therapeutics, offering hope for better treatment options for patients.
Researchers found tablet use to be safe and engaging for nearly all patients with dementia, reducing symptoms of agitation. The tablets demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving mood and behavior, particularly among patients with milder forms of dementia.
A new study from Intermountain Medical Center found that using longitudinal data improves predictive accuracy for kidney transplant patients. Four predictive models were developed by layering available data, achieving accuracy improvements of nearly 16% and up to 83.8% in predicting kidney loss or death.
A new study published in JAMA Dermatology found that non-heterosexual black male teens engage in indoor tanning at levels equal to those of heterosexual white females. This discovery highlights a surprising new group at risk for skin cancer, which may be linked to psychological distress and discrimination.
A Dartmouth-led study published in Sociology of Education found that college completion rates, not student loan debt, are more strongly associated with the 'boomeranging' effect. Black youths who take on debt face a higher risk of returning home due to limited access to fair credit and economic strain.
Researchers have characterized the critical function of the Zf-GRF domain in manipulating DNA during repair processes. The domain is essential for APE2 enzyme activity, enabling it to bind to single-stranded DNA and facilitate its 3'-5' resection.
A new study found that parents' motivation for buying prepackaged, processed foods goes beyond time savings. Nearly half of parents reported choosing frozen meals because their families enjoy them, while a quarter preferred the cost savings.
Solar storms can charge up soil in moon's permanently shadowed regions, potentially producing sparks that could vaporize and melt the soil. This process, known as dielectric breakdown, could alter the regolith and provide clues to the moon's history.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered patterns of biomarkers that predict how well people age and their risk for future age-related diseases. The study, led by Paola Sebastiani and Thomas Perls, used data from over 5,000 participants to identify 26 different predictive biomarker signatures.
A UK-based international team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of mcr-1 gene-mediated resistance to colistin. They identified key features necessary for the protein that modifies bacterial surface to reduce colistin binding, and constructed computer models to block MCR-1 function.
University of Utah researchers explore the connection between gut microbes and birds' unique breathing patterns. The team found that diverse gut microbes play a critical role in allowing herbivorous woodrats to process naturally occurring toxins, with promising implications for human health and animal husbandry.
A review of 207 studies found that therapeutic interventions led to an average decrease in neuroticism and increase in extraversion. Emotional stability was the primary trait domain showing changes as a result of therapy, with patients with anxiety disorders changing the most.
Researchers found a bacterium can convert CO2 to CO, opening up new avenues for recycling greenhouse gas into biofuels. The discovery establishes nitrogenase enzyme as template for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly fuel production.
The Brazilian census details 958 distinct morphological types of jellyfish, including their habitats, occurrences, and ecological data. The most toxic species belong to the class Cubozoa, while the class Scyphozoa includes a common Brazilian species.
Researchers found that a common species of zooplankton can develop higher tolerance to road salt, which may help protect ecosystems from salt's impacts. This rapid evolution suggests that freshwater ecosystems possess some resilience amid rising deicing salt applications.
Researchers have made significant progress treating anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with a new regimen, including patients who previously did not respond. The treatment, which includes bortezomib, has shown to quickly improve clinical symptoms and reduce antibodies responsible for the disease.