Researchers discovered a primitive blueprint of organization in primates' brains just days after birth, which gradually fills in with age and experience. The findings have implications for humans, including the potential explanation of aberrations seen in autism-spectrum disorders and the importance of correcting visual deficits at birth.
Service workers who face verbal abuse from customers are more likely to go on unnecessary shopping sprees in the evening. The study found that customer mistreatment can lead to damaging thoughts and behaviors, including impulse shopping.
Researchers found that patients appreciate being able to confirm next steps, feel heard and gain confidence in providers through secure access to visit notes. Patients also value the ability to provide feedback on accuracy and catch potential errors.
Researchers at RIT are working on developing more efficient, durable and cost-effective carbon nanotube technology for electronic components. The project aims to create affordable carbon wiring with electrical properties competitive with metal wiring.
Researchers found that using newer dosing methods can minimize harmful effects while maximizing benefits in children with varying body mass indices. The study also suggests cost savings for the NHS.
Prevention of young adult obesity can significantly impact US rates of obesity and related diseases, costs, and premature death. Interventions targeting this age group may also reduce prevalence in children, making it an essential focus for reversing the epidemic.
A new study published in JAMA found that giving healthy children high doses of vitamin D during the winter did not reduce the number of colds they got. The study, led by Dr. Jonathon Maguire, involved 700 children who received either a standard or high dose of vitamin D, with no difference in cold frequency between the two groups.
A large-scale genetic study of E. coli bloodstream infections in England found that drug-resistant 'superbugs' are not dominant causes of infection. Instead, new types of E. coli emerge frequently, but are quickly balanced by other strains, suggesting a complex picture of disease dynamics.
Researchers found that thyroxine and metformin can repair memory and learning deficits caused by fetal alcohol exposure when given after birth. The study provides potential treatment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the US has demonstrated a non-toxic alternative to lead for use in next-generation solar cells, using bismuth oxyiodide. The material shows comparable performance to current silicon-based solar cells, with efficiencies up to 22%.
Scientists at the University of Würzburg discovered differences in gene expression between embryonic endothelial cells of the central nervous system and other organs, shedding light on the blood-brain barrier's development and maturation. The study also identified transcription factors involved in this process.
A new study found that children born prematurely to mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy are at higher risk for low cognitive scores and difficulties with self-regulation. The study suggests that behavioral interventions to reduce pre-pregnancy weight may help mitigate these impairments.
Researchers found a single amino-acid difference between toothed whales and filter-feeding baleen whales that may explain their distinct body shapes. This variation affects the sensitivity of a key receptor, potentially impacting feeding behavior and body size in these species.
Researchers have identified a universal mechanism behind bone cell organization, revealing a quantitative framework to assess bone quality. The study shows that different bone types exhibit varying levels of connectivity but similar efficiency in intercellular transport and communication.
Researchers have discovered how Rice Stripe Virus (RSV) reproduces in small brown planthoppers, a key step in controlling the spread of devastating crop diseases. By studying interactions between proteins and compounds, they found that RSV activates the JNK signaling pathway to promote replication.
Researchers have discovered that adding estrogen to brain regions helps regulate weight and glucose levels in rats with induced menopause. The finding suggests that the medial amygdala is crucial for metabolic health, making it a potential target for treatment.
Researchers have found that the Tie2 receptor on pericytes plays a crucial role in regulating blood vessel growth and maturation. By breeding mice with disabled Tie2 receptors, scientists discovered that tumor blood vessels grew faster and more aggressively without this control, highlighting potential new targets for cancer therapy.
Researchers successfully resurrected Precambrian β-lactamases to study the emergence of primordial enzymes and explore the creation of novel active sites. The team demonstrated that ancestral protein resurrection enables the generation of new enzyme functions, overcoming current limitations in molecular biology.
A new analysis from Colorado State University found that each dollar invested in conservation easements produces benefits ranging from $4 to $12 for Coloradans. The state's investments have conserved over 114,000 acres of priority habitat, prime farmland, and scenic byways, as well as numerous miles of streams and rivers.
A Kansas State University study found that male and female live-bearing fish evolve at different rates, with males influenced by sexual selection. The researchers analyzed 112 species of live-bearing fish and found that the body shape of males evolves faster than females due to the acceleration of speed of evolution in males.
A quality improvement project found that healthcare providers rarely perform stethoscope hygiene between patient encounters, despite guidelines recommending disinfection. The study highlights the importance of stethoscope hygiene and its potential to transmit pathogens, including MRSA.
A study published in Springer's Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that paternal half-siblings in olive baboons develop stronger bonds when their shared father is present. This challenges the long-held assumption that maternal kin dominate primate social behavior.
Researchers found that low-dose diazepam increased social competitiveness in high- and medium-anxious rats by boosting dopamine release and mitochondrial function. The study suggests that this mechanism could be targeted through non-pharmacological interventions.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that changes to the immune system occur rapidly after a traumatic injury, with levels of immune cells and molecules altered within minutes. The research aims to improve outcomes for patients who have suffered trauma by identifying those at risk of developing life-threatening complications.
A new robotic system developed by MIT researchers can find even tiny leaks in water or gas pipes with high accuracy, helping to alleviate water shortages and structural damage. The system uses a small, rubbery robot that moves passively through the pipe, detecting pressure variations to locate leaks.
A new antibody-based assay developed by researchers at UC Berkeley and Humabs BioMed has shown very high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing Zika virus infections from those caused by similar viruses. The test is simple, cost-effective, and can be used to detect both recent and past Zika virus infections.
The research team developed a novel reaction to synthesize organohalides, a crucial class of compounds for pharmaceuticals, with up to 98% enantiomeric purity. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of producing chiral molecules in isomerically pure form, paving the way for new medicines.
Researchers in Mozambique found that people who live in electrified urban areas retire earlier but still get sufficient sleep, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that the relationship between electricity and sleep loss is more complex than previously thought.
A new approach to family therapy involves collaboration between therapists and clients, examining the effects of their partnership. This 'Practice Based Evidence Based' strategy aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating research into therapy.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that cumulative weight gain over the course of early and middle adulthood may increase health risks later in life, including a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. The study suggests that even moderate weight gain can ha...
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded nearly $4.16M in fellowships to 18 early-career scientists conducting basic and translational cancer research. These four-year awards provide independent funding to investigate novel ideas with potential impact on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers found that mice fed a high-fat diet exhibit withdrawal-like stress responses when switched to a low-fat diet, with dopamine levels impacted by stress signals. Blocking these signals normalizes the dopamine system, preventing binge-eating when the high-fat diet is reintroduced.
Researchers have developed a method for designing energy-efficient neural networks, reducing power consumption by up to 73% compared to standard implementations. The new approach uses an analytic tool to evaluate and prune low-weight connections, resulting in more efficient networks with fewer connections.
A new study by James Hansen's team estimates that to limit global warming, we need negative emissions through technologies like carbon capture. If emissions continue high, young people may have to spend up to 500 trillion euros on CO2 extraction, but rapid phase-down of fossil fuels can achieve this at relatively low cost.
Adolescent heavy drinking alters brain structures and function, resulting in reduced cognitive abilities. Research highlights the detrimental effects on memory, attention, language, and socio-emotional processing. The review emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about binge drinking risks and promoting future research.
Researchers designed a multi-chambered soft pneumatic actuator that generates cyclical motion and exhibits several advantages. The actuator can be used in environments sensitive to electromagnetic fields or flammable liquids without risk of bursting.
A study in Mexico found that certain occupations contribute to mobility problems among older adults, exacerbating income-based disability disparities. Poorer workers are more likely to hold physically demanding jobs, leading to increased mobility limitations.
Neuroscientists have created a low-cost imaging and microscope system for research, training, and teaching, called FlyPi. The system uses 3D printing and open-source components to perform standard lab protocols at a fraction of the cost of commercially available solutions.
Researchers identified potential kidney damage from aggressive blood pressure treatments in mice and patients with high blood pressure. The study found that blocking renin cells, which are sometimes targeted in treating high blood pressure, can cause obstructive vascular lesions in the kidneys.
Researchers observed rapid immune cell changes within minutes of a traumatic injury, with some cells increasing and others decreasing. These changes reflected both innate immune activation and suppression, suggesting simultaneous processes. The study highlights the dynamic nature of the immune response to trauma.
Research suggests that global individualism is increasing, with socioeconomic development being a key driver. Studies examining 78 countries over 51 years reveal a significant shift towards greater individualism, prioritizing independence and uniqueness as cultural values.
Researchers found that orangutans prefer areas with strong branches to move laterally through the forest canopy, explaining their preference for enclosed canopy. The study's findings contribute to a larger Bornean biodiversity mapping mission and inform conservation efforts in human-impacted forests.
Researchers used a special experimentally-bred population, the Virginia chicken lines, to understand the genetic architecture behind chicken weight. They identified 20 different genetic loci that explained more than 60% of the additive genetic variance for selected trait.
A Cornell University study quantified the effect of Madoff's Ponzi scheme, finding investors withdrew $363 billion from financial advisers, stashing it in safe assets. The loss of trust led to significant changes in investment behavior, with investment firms shutting down due to heavy withdrawals.
Researchers at University of Kansas have discovered that fetuses can discriminate between languages with distinct rhythmic properties, suggesting language development may start in the womb. The study uses magnetocardiogram technology to measure fetal heart rate responses to speech sounds, revealing an early sensitivity to language rhythm.
Experts recommend a physical and breathing exam, comprehensive health history, and trigger questionnaires to diagnose asthma. Effective treatment also involves spirometry testing, medication management, and written action plans to control symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Researchers have made key discoveries to improve the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood disorder that can transform into acute leukemia. The study found that certain molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to treatment can be identified, allowing for early intervention and potentially more effective therapies.
A new Tropical Storm Depression 8E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on July 18, with deep convection developing closer to its center. The depression is expected to move towards the west and southwest, with slight strengthening possible, potentially becoming a tropical storm within the next day.
A Yale-led study analyzing data from 2008-2014 found that reducing hospital readmission rates for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia does not increase mortality rates. The research suggests that hospitals' efforts to keep patients out of the hospital may have actually improved mortality outcomes through better preparedness, tim...
Researchers discovered that CD44s plays a key role in sustaining EGFR signaling in glioblastoma multiforme, allowing cancer cells to survive. Removing CD44s from the cell surface reduces the growth of glioblastoma cells and increases sensitivity to erlotinib treatment.
A new study found that exercise training had a different impact on body weight control in male and female rats fed a high fat diet. Male rats who exercised ate less food and gained less weight compared to sedentary males, while exercising female rats did not reduce their food intake. The research team believes chronic exercise may be i...
A study found that children who lost their fathers had significantly shorter telomeres at age 9, indicating increased cell aging and stress. The effect was greatest for boys and those whose fathers died.
Women with early or normal onset menopause are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with late onset menopause. The study found that women who experienced menopause before age 40 were almost 4 times more likely to develop T2D.
According to a revised pipeline analysis, six Alzheimer's drugs will conclude Phase III trials in 2017, bringing much-needed solutions to families in the near future. The late-stage pipeline offers hope to 5.5 million Americans with the disease and their caregivers.
A new technology developed at Purdue University can monitor patients more effectively during MRI scans by recording electro-physiological signals, reducing health risks. The smart device aims to provide better imaging quality and improve the safety of medical diagnostics for diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson's.
Researchers used X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) technology to observe bamboo sharks feeding on squid and herring. The study reveals that the shark's shoulder girdle swings internally to create suction, manipulating food down its long pharynx.
An 8-year-old boy received a double hand transplant and regained independence in writing, feeding, and dressing himself after months of occupational therapy and psychological support. However, he faced setbacks, including treatment of rejections and extensive rehabilitation.
Researchers discovered that plant parasitic nematodes activate plant stem cells to form galls on the roots of agricultural crops. This finding holds promise for developing resistant crop varieties and improving crop yields.
A study published in JAMA found that long-term, moderate-intensity physical activity led to a small reduction in total sedentary time among older adults with mobility impairments. The intervention also showed sustained effects over 24 months.
A new study led by Princeton University researchers finds that cells must move around and change shape to gain a meaningful understanding of their environment. The typical cell's environment is highly varied in stiffness or flexibility, making it difficult for the cell to determine its surroundings through mechanosensing.