A researcher is studying a heart mutation that can lead to sudden cardiac death and other heart conditions. The scientist found a parallel process of conduction called ephaptic coupling that helps maintain heart rhythm even when gap junctions are lost.
A study found that daytime sleepiness is associated with an increased risk of brain deposits of beta amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who reported excessive daytime sleepiness were nearly three times more likely to develop beta-amyloid deposition in their brains years later.
A new theory by Max Ortiz Catalan suggests that phantom limb pain results from neural entanglement between the missing limb's circuitry and pain perception networks. The 'stochastic entanglement' hypothesis explains how a novel treatment, Phantom Motor Execution (PME), can help alleviate pain by reactivating dormant brain areas.
A recent study published in Nature found that stress caused by starvation before sexual maturation can prevent normal changes in the wiring patterns of key neuronal circuits in male worms. As a result, adult male worms act immaturely during behaviors controlled by these circuits. The study suggests that environmental stress can permane...
A study of black women found that those who slept less than 7 hours a night had higher blood pressure and lower levels of physical activity. The researchers suggest that addressing sleep quality is crucial for combating obesity and high blood pressure in this population.
A new AI-powered tool, HEAL, analyzes genome sequences and electronic health records to predict individual risk for developing abdominal aortic aneurysm. The tool may one day help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases such as AAA, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers have solved the long-standing mystery of soot formation, revealing that resonance-stabilized radicals play a key role in its creation. This breakthrough could help reduce soot's detrimental effects on human health and the environment.
A novel mechanism links epigenetic changes to translational control in the brain, controlling downstream regulation of translation during fear memory reconsolidation. This finding may help attenuate maladaptive memories in psychiatric disorders.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill HIV Cure Center and Cell Microsystems will use the NIH grant to automate and streamline the measurement of the HIV reservoir. The team aims to accurately detect emergence of HIV after exposure to potential therapeutics and evaluate the efficacy of latency reversal therapies.
Researchers at UConn have created a tiny neuro-controller that can precisely control the movement of cyborg cockroaches. The system, which includes an inertial measurement unit and real-time feedback, enables operators to steer the insect in desired directions.
A new study found that stroke survivors struggle to discuss their sexuality and intimacy with healthcare professionals, who rarely address the topic during rehabilitation. The review highlights the importance of proper support from health and rehabilitation professionals to address these issues.
A study of 3,000 Medicare beneficiaries found that adults from minority racial/ethnic groups were less likely to use low-vision devices, despite evidence of their benefits. However, there was no difference in the use of vision rehabilitation services between racial/ethnic groups.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that a role-playing game called World Climate increases motivation to combat climate change by 81%, even among Americans who support free market policies. The game simulates UN climate talks and provides immediate feedback on the expected climate impacts of participants' decisions.
Researchers used state-of-the-art techniques to measure cell forces and stresses in zebrafish embryos, discovering a fundamental physical mechanism for shaping embryonic tissues. This finding provides insight into human health issues like cancer formation and organ engineering.
The human microbiome plays a significant role in cancer development and treatment, according to six original review articles in this special issue. The articles discuss the impact of probiotics, chemotherapy, and gut microbiota on cancer, as well as the use of microbial DNA sequencing techniques.
A new study found that the brains of professional beatboxers and guitarists respond uniquely to their respective sounds, with increased activity in areas associated with movement and language. The research suggests that experience of producing music can shape brain responses and perception.
A new study approach reveals that healthy adults have between 50,000 and 200,000 blood-creating stem cells in their bone marrow. This finding opens up new opportunities for studying how stem cells change during ageing and disease, and may lead to insights into cancer development and effective stem cell therapies.
A new smartphone-based research platform has been developed to recruit a large and diverse population of pregnant women for a study. The platform, built using Apple's ResearchKit technology, was embedded into the popular WebMD Pregnancy app and connected researchers with over 1.6 million potential participants.
A study at the University of Exeter found that larger garden birds, such as house sparrows and greenfinches, dominate access to better food sources like sunflower hearts. Smaller bird species like blue tits and coal tits face limited access to quality food, pecking quickly to make the most of their time.
The Brazilian stingless bee, Tetragonisca angustula, uses a unique defense strategy by positioning its hovering guards in an organized manner at the nest entrance. This allows for rapid detection and interception of intruders, improving nest vigilance.
Research from North Carolina State University found that new brands' CSR efforts can backfire if consumers know the company donates to good causes. However, listing dual priorities for CSR and product effectiveness can help mitigate this issue. Established brands tend to benefit more from CSR efforts.
A new study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that women who experienced sexual violence have more intense and difficult-to-forget memories than those who did not. The research also highlights the challenges of recovery from trauma and the importance of prevention and justice for survivors.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that the abnormal form of tau associated with Alzheimer's disease disrupts communication between a neuron's nucleus and cytoplasm. This disruption leads to brain cell dysfunction and death, contributing to neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease.
Malnutrition affects more elderly people who are unmarried, separated or divorced. Marriage or being widowed tends to prevent malnutrition. Factors such as difficulties walking, coping with stairs, and hospital stays also contribute to the risk.
The University of Oklahoma research group, led by Mark Nanny, will utilize the new ICP-MS instrument to study interactions between nanomaterials and drugs, population dynamics, and organism-metal interactions. The grant also aims to engage rural high school teachers and address water quality issues in Oklahoma's Tribal Nations.
Girls and women face inadequate sanitation options, including lack of private toilets with doors and locks, resulting in stress, embarrassment, and physical discomfort. Mainstreaming female-friendly toilets could significantly impact meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals on health, education, and gender.
A new study reveals that genetic factors explain around two-thirds of individual differences in school achievement and 70% of the stability of educational achievement throughout schooling. Genetic influences also persist even after accounting for intelligence and noncognitive traits.
Researchers found that judicial bypass processes function as a form of punishment for adolescents, causing emotional harm through unpredictability and shame. Adolescents in Texas reported difficulties with transportation, intimidating court environments, and biased GALs who imposed unwanted adoption offers.
Researchers identified four mechanisms by which Fibroblastic Reticular Cells dampen down T cell responses, including pathways involving prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor beta. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding immune responses in situations where T cells don't work as well as they should.
Patients with end-stage ankle arthritis experience significant improvements in range of motion, pain levels, and functionality after total ankle arthroplasty. On average, surgery boosts ankle range of motion by over 60% and reduces pain scores by 59 points.
Researchers created an algorithm using physics of panel degradation to analyze solar farm data, providing a portable EKG for solar farms. The approach can inform better panel designs, prolong lifespan, and cut electrical bills, ultimately transforming the industry's diagnosis and decision-making processes.
Researchers from Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics studied plasmons in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with fewer than 50 atoms. They found that these molecules can support molecular plasmons in the visible spectrum, offering a new area of research at the intersection of plasmonics and molecular chemistry.
Researchers found a genetic variation associated with thymic output in humans, which can affect immune responses. This discovery may help explain differences in immune responses between healthy individuals and has implications for precision medicine and vaccine development.
New results show up to 100 times more heat can flow between nanoscale objects than predicted, with implications for solar cells and materials. The discovery could enable new ways to control heat in devices, such as heat transistors and diodes.
A study of county-level data from 1995 to 2013 found that dermatologist density increased more in rural and nonmetropolitan areas than metropolitan regions. The gap between metropolitan and other areas widened over time, highlighting the need for corrective action.
Researchers will combine novel tracking devices with weather radar data to gain insights into migratory birds' atmospheric habitats. The project aims to understand the impact of climate change on bird migration patterns and develop strategies for local adaptation.
A recent study found that there is a correlation between invisible dark matter particles and melanoma, with 1-10% of diagnoses showing a short periodicity coinciding with the orbital period of Mercury. The research proposes that streaming invisible dark matter may be interacting with the human body.
A recent study by UC Riverside researcher Kate Sweeny found that perception of romantic partner's responsiveness during anxious waiting periods is associated with reduced stress. People who perceived their partner as supportive reported better sleep and overall health, even if they didn't receive actual support.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that changes in calorie and protein intake were estimated during five transition phases from full intravenous nutrition to full enteral nutrition. The researchers recommend specific approaches to maximize calorie and protein intake during various transition phases.
Hurricane Norman rapidly intensified from 85 to 115 mph with Norman now a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The center of the storm is located near latitude 19.5 degrees north and longitude 147.7 degrees west, moving towards the west-northwest.
The new guidelines standardize a framework for recognizing, treating and managing a child's recovery from mild traumatic brain injury. Key recommendations include screening for risk factors, safe prescribing and education for children and families.
Researchers at Penn State successfully organized atoms in a lattice to lower entropy, which could aid in creating a quantum computer. This achievement uses uncharged atoms as qubits, enabling multiple states simultaneously and making computation more efficient.
A large-scale analysis of mobile app data found that users in English-speaking countries have higher app usage due to widespread English language versions and dedicated apps. Socio-economic factors such as occupation, education, and savings also play a significant role in determining app usage.
A natural plant compound called FR900359 has been identified as a potential treatment for uveal melanoma, shutting down the overactive signaling that drives cell growth. The compound traps G alpha q in its inactive state, preventing tumor cell growth and potentially reversing cancer-like changes.
The study reveals that at least 11 individuals were likely male and that burial rites were sex-biased. The site is divided into two groups, with Niederstotzingen North showing kinship structure similar to modern northern and eastern European populations.
Researchers have developed a novel method to date 'hibernating' HIV strains, revealing a genetically diverse latent reservoir that can persist for decades. The study confirms the importance of understanding the timeline and characteristics of HIV in the latent reservoir for developing an effective cure.
Researchers developed a new way to identify molecular markers of breast cancer tumors using machine learning. This technology can rapidly sort images of breast tumors to determine prognosis and treatment options, potentially leading to faster and more cost-effective treatments for millions of women.
Hurricane Florence strengthened into a major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 120 mph (195 kph), according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite observations. The storm is expected to gradually weaken and then re-strengthen through the weekend.
International experts advise against routine PSA screening for prostate cancer, citing small benefits and potential harm. However, clinicians should engage in shared decision-making with patients considering screening, especially those at higher risk of prostate cancer death.
A study found that modest reductions in age-adjusted, county-level death rates could have swung key US states to Secretary Clinton. Counties with higher Republican votes had higher age-adjusted death rates and increased deaths of despair.
A new imaging method targets cancer-associated fibroblasts to diagnose widespread tumors like breast, colon, and pancreas cancer with better accuracy and less inconvenience. The tracer shows high tumor uptake and image contrast, making it a promising strategy for detection and treatment of malignant tumors.
Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for depressive symptoms, with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and life stressors contributing to its development. The new guidelines recommend using proven therapeutic options like antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy as front-line treatments.
A study found that men exceed women in university and federal entomology jobs by a roughly 3-to-1 ratio, despite women earning over 40% of doctoral degrees in entomology. The research highlights the need for gender equity in academia and government.
A new study has introduced a 'failure-aware' algorithmic matching approach to improve the success rate of kidney transplants. The method takes pre-transplant compatibility failures into account probabilistically and can roughly double the number of successful transplants, depending on the setting.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson are studying two potential drug candidates to stop and reverse excessive scar tissue growth in the lungs. The compounds target the enzyme Nox4, which is believed to be the cause of excessive scar tissue growth.
A new analysis reveals that poor-quality care is responsible for an estimated 5 million deaths per year, surpassing deaths due to insufficient access to care. Global efforts to improve health systems will be futile if quality does not improve.
Researchers have developed a unique approach using augmented reality tools to provide surgical expertise to less-experienced doctors in war zones and natural disasters. The system uses computer vision algorithms to track and align virtual notes and marks with the surgical region, allowing trainees to remain focused on the procedure.
The flight operations team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center conducted two successful communications tests, simulating the complex exchange of command and telemetry data among multiple service providers during the first six hours of flight. The team successfully communicated with the telescope and demonstrated their ability to comm...
A team of researchers discovered a new major source of formic acid over the Pacific and Indian oceans by exploiting non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough sheds light on current scientific understanding of hydrocarbon degradation in the atmosphere.
A new study found evidence of exposure to phthalates in 71% of bottlenose dolphins tested in Sarasota Bay, Florida. The presence of byproducts of the chemicals in the animals' urine indicates they have remained in the body long enough to process them.