Researchers found that a visual illusion occurs when daylight hits the object from above, creating shading that alters its shape to the human eye, making it appear out-of-place. Computer-generated images demonstrated this effect, revealing why some people perceive images of objects like wind turbine blades as 'fakes',
The US Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board has investigated over 130 accidents since its creation in 1998. The board's work has positively influenced industrial safety in the US and globally, producing over 90 accident reports and 40 safety videos with a budget of $12 million per year.
New research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group music listening can either exacerbate or alleviate depression, depending on the individual's coping style. Younger individuals with tendencies towards rumination are more susceptible to negative outcomes from group interactions.
A recent study at Salk Institute found that genetic variants of a single gene, FRO2, play a crucial role in determining a plant's ability to grow and stay healthy in environments with limited iron. The research has the potential to improve crop yields and increase dietary sources of iron for animals and humans.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo discovered that combining three ineffective antibiotics can eradicate two ESKAPE pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The triple combination treatments provide a new weapon in the fight against superbug infections.
Research finds a strong association between maternal pregnancy complications and early coronary heart disease in young adult offspring. The study suggests that optimal health and nutrition for expectant mothers may help reduce the risk of heart disease in their children.
Moffitt researchers demonstrate that mathematical models can be used to predict how different tumor cell populations interact with each other and respond to environmental changes. By applying small biological forces, they show that complex systems like cancer can be steered into a less invasive growth pattern.
In-hospital COPD mortality declined substantially between 2005 and 2014, with a 62% decrease in deaths among patients hospitalized for the condition. Women accounted for the majority of hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths, making up 57-58% and 51-55%, respectively.
A ground-breaking study suggests that a non-invasive post-mortem technique could be used to identify the cause of death in up to 92% of adult post-mortem investigations, potentially replacing invasive autopsies. The technique, known as PMCTA, uses computed tomography and angiography to diagnose causes of death with high accuracy.
A new book by the World Health Organization provides a comprehensive guide to establishing and delivering palliative care services globally. The manual aims to integrate palliative care into mainstream healthcare systems, improving access for millions of people worldwide.
A new study of malaria medicine quality in sub-Saharan African countries found that up to 42% of the private-sector market is made up of non-quality-assured (QA) treatments, which can impact patient health and safety. The study's findings highlight the need for policy responses to address the growing market for QA medicines.
Researchers tracked bacterial diversity in a hospital over 12 months, finding constant flow of microbes between patients, staff, and surfaces. The study reveals how human skin-associated microbes replace construction bacteria upon hospital opening.
A new report from Rice's Kinder Institute examines mayoral elections in 6 US states and reveals that approximately half of all mayoral elections feature only one candidate. Unopposed elections were particularly prevalent in small towns, where 79% of contests saw no competition, yet voter turnout remained high.
Researchers from Newcastle University have found an inexpensive and easy way to validate the authenticity of ANY paper document by taking a picture with a standard camera. The unique 'texture' fingerprint for every sheet of paper can be identified and verified with 100% accuracy, making it highly reliable even under rough handling.
A new study reveals that people can be altruistic and intentionally induce negative emotions in others to help them achieve a specific goal. The study found that empathy played a key role in this process, with participants who took another person's perspective choosing specific negative emotional experiences.
Dr. Randy McIntosh's team developed the Virtual Brain Project, an integrated computer model of a fully functioning human brain to help detect dementia and brain diseases earlier. The platform allows for testing potential treatments before prescribing them to patients.
A study published in Science Robotics reveals that patients modify their walking patterns only when the robotic exoskeleton interferes with gait stability. The brain prioritizes stability over other aspects of walking, such as step height or toe angle, requiring customized forces to challenge balance.
The 11,800 participants shared the latest developments and best practices in treating cardiovascular conditions, including coronary and valvular heart disease and stroke. EuroPCR 2017 also celebrated the 40th anniversary of angioplasty with an exhibition tracing its pioneering history.
Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering analysis to examine a living cell membrane at the nanoscale, resolving a long-standing debate about lipid molecule organization. They found tiny groupings of lipid molecules that are likely key to the cell's functioning.
Researchers estimated that Los Angeles lost about 100 gallons of water per person per day to the atmosphere in 2010 due to overwatering of lawns and trees. The study found a surprising water efficiency of tree cover, with trees using significantly less water than grassy lawns.
A genetic study led by UC Davis has identified a mutation in horses that may contribute to squamous cell carcinoma, the most common cancer found in equine eyes. This discovery offers hope for early detection and treatment of ocular SCC, potentially improving horse health and informing breeding decisions.
Researchers found evidence of neurochemical changes associated with lower neuronal health in brain regions formerly controlled by the missing hand. Despite recovered hand function, some changes may persist in individuals who receive hand transplants.
A study published in Evolutionary Psychology Science suggests that sincere religious beliefs are not associated with hostile attitudes toward outsiders. In contrast, those who use religion for non-religious goals, such as social status or group membership, tend to exhibit greater out-group hostility.
A new study has found that the Zika virus circulated undetected for up to a year in some regions before public health authorities took notice. The research, published in Nature, reconstructed the virus's dispersal by sequencing genetic material from hundreds of patients in ten countries and territories.
A new study found that empathy can have different health effects, depending on the perspective taken when helping someone in need. Stepping into the shoes of the suffering person leads to a health-threatening physiological response, while reflecting on how they might feel promotes a health-promoting response.
Researchers have developed a new device to map the brain during surgery, providing higher resolution neural readings than existing tools. The device enables doctors to perform safer, more precise brain surgeries by distinguishing between healthy and diseased tissues.
A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that fitness trackers generally accurately measure heart rate but struggle with calculating energy expenditure, which is often used to track calories burned. The study evaluated seven devices and found that six were accurate in measuring heart rate within 5% error, while none ...
Researchers analyzed 174 Zika virus genomes from patient and mosquito samples to reconstruct the virus's spread across South and Central America. The study suggests that Zika was circulating in Brazil around February 2014, months before local cases were detected.
A new study by Université de Genève researchers reveals the basic geometry of the gene-to-protein code, highlighting the mechanical basis for DNA's map of functional proteins. The research focuses on the segment of the gene coding the hinges of nano-machines, which are essential for protein function.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind granular capillarity, where sand rises in a tube under vertical vibrations. The study found that convective motion of sand grains causes an upward pressure on the base of the column, leading to its ascent.
Researchers have developed a new method to investigate underwater volcanoes that produce Earth's tectonic plates. The study found that molten rock is present deeper than expected, indicating faster cooling of the plate, which affects friction at collision zones and megaquake sizes.
A new program combining nutritional assistance, early mobilization, and daily communication protocols significantly reduced postoperative delirium rates by 56% in older patients. The intervention also led to a two-day shorter hospital stay for these patients.
A simple copper complex has been found to shut down the deadly botulinum neurotoxin, which causes paralysis and death. The discovery was made by scientists at Scripps Research Institute using a triazole compound provided by Nobel laureate K. Barry Sharpless.
A new biologic drug, ixekizumab, has shown significant symptom reduction in patients with refractory psoriatic arthritis, including joint tenderness and swelling. The study's results suggest that the drug may offer a more effective treatment option for patients who have not responded to standard pharmaceutical treatments.
A new study by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture found that TVA reservoirs generate an average annual economic impact of $11.9 billion, supporting over 130,000 local jobs. The study also revealed that these reservoirs provide significant recreational opportunities, with visitors experiencing high levels of satisfaction.
A machine-learning algorithm has been developed to predict severe sepsis and septic shock in hospitalized patients, utilizing data from electronic health records. The algorithm was validated in real-time and found to accurately identify patients at risk, with approximately 3% of all acute care patients screened as positive.
Dr. Terrie Taylor is using a $8.5 million federal grant to study why previous malaria prevention methods have been unsuccessful and how progress can be made in Malawi. Her team will focus on identifying 'reservoirs of infection' - people who are infected but not sick, and understanding mosquito behavior to develop effective treatments.
A team of scientists uncovered evidence of a rapid development of cultural complexity along the Pacific coast of Peru, challenging previous theories. The excavation revealed intricate baskets, tools, and textiles that indicate a high level of organization and social status among early humans in the region.
Eric Palm, a University of Montana doctoral candidate, has received the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship to study animal movement using ecosystem-scale models for caribou. The research aims to understand consequences of land-use and climate change on caribou habitat and populations in the arctic-boreal region.
A new study co-authored by WCS explores the impact of reduced Arctic snow cover on tundra-dwelling wolverines. The research found that wolverines rely heavily on snow for denning, caching food, and other needs, making them more vulnerable to climate change.
A recent study analyzed over 9,000 middle-aged adults in England and found that moderate drinkers who also smoked experienced more health problems than those who drank lightly or abstained. The researchers suggest that other lifestyle factors, such as education and smoking habits, may be more influential on midlife health.
A study by Florida State University researchers found that doubling the population under a tornado's path leads to only a 21% increase in casualties, while a doubling of energy dispersed by the tornado leads to a 33% increase. Stronger storms tend to pass through areas with lower population density, and climate change could impact futu...
A study tracked microbial community composition in a newly opened hospital, finding patients initially acquire bacteria from the environment before their own microbiota influences what's present. The research provides context for future studies of hospital-acquired infections.
The Atlas of the Human Planet 2017 reveals that one out of three people worldwide is exposed to earthquakes, with 414 million living near active volcanoes. Exposure to natural hazards has doubled globally over the past 40 years, primarily due to urbanization and population growth.
Scientists have developed a non-destructive technique to examine human sperm using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, which may improve diagnosis of fertility problems. The test can distinguish between good and poor sperm populations based on molecular composition differences.
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists has launched a global anaesthesia workforce map, highlighting huge shortages and disparities in high vs low-income countries. The map shows that only 1 in 100,000 people in some Sub-Saharan African countries have access to trained anaesthesia providers.
Researchers from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have developed a new system called Catena that uses Bitcoin's security machinery to defend against online identity theft and equivocation. The system requires the download of only about 40 megabytes of data, making it suitable for smartphones.
A team of researchers discovered that a bacterium infects cotton by tricking the plant to produce food for itself, ultimately depleting the plant's resources. The study offers potential tools for earlier diagnostics and strategies for controlling the disease, which can affect up to 40% of cotton yield.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed two new modified toy car designs to encourage children with disabilities to engage in physical and social activities. The sit-to-stand car promotes standing up to activate the switch, while the Throw Baby Throw car uses a pitching machine to facilitate throwing skills.
A team of researchers used online quizzes and food photos to test how people learn about nutrition. The results showed that participants who received additional explanations did better on the quiz and learned more than those with no feedback. Peer-generated explanations were just as effective as expert explanations.
A study published in Neurology found that hospitals transitioned people with strokes to early comfort care at varying rates, ranging from 0.6% to 37.6%. Factors such as age, sex, and stroke type influenced these decisions. The study highlights the need for better understanding of how these transitions are made.
A new study found that camelina seed yields were 54% lower at Hays than at Moccasin due to environmental conditions. However, seed protein content was significantly higher at Hays, and oil composition differed between the two test sites.
A University of Utah study found that LA lawns account for 70% of water loss, while trees use relatively less water. Wealthy neighborhoods lose more water due to larger lot sizes and other factors.
A study suggests that exposure to trace metals from potatoes grown in soil irrigated with waters from the Potosi mining region in Bolivia may pose a potential health risk. The study found high hazard quotients for arsenic and cadmium, indicating a significant risk of non-cancer health illnesses, particularly among children.
Researchers develop practical wool dye from sorghum husks, offering UV protection and fluorescence, while reducing waste disposal. The dyes showed good colorfastness even after multiple washes and ironing cycles.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a flexible and stretchable rechargeable battery that can power wearable sensors. The batteries use commercially available materials and are stable, allowing them to be worn for long periods.
Research on La Brea Tar Pits fossils suggests LA's climate has remained relatively stable for 50,000 years. The study analyzed ground and darkling beetle fossils using radiocarbon dating, revealing three semi-continuous age ranges that indicate a warmer and drier climate similar to today.
In a large-scale randomized clinical trial, cannabidiol reduced seizure frequency by 39% in patients with Dravet syndrome. The study included 120 children and adolescents aged 2-18 years, who received either CBD or placebo over a 14-week period.
A new study found that even low amounts of digital technology interruptions by parents can cause greater child behavior issues such as oversensitivity and hyperactivity. Researchers suggest carving out technology-free times for family bonding and reducing device use during parent-child activities.
Researchers found that blocking ANGPTL3 activity with an injectable antibody reduced triglycerides by up to 76 percent and lowered LDL cholesterol 23 percent in human study participants. Carriers of mutations disabling ANGPTL3 had nearly 40 percent fewer incidents of coronary artery disease compared to non-carriers.