Researchers found that unexpected positive outcomes in cities, such as sports wins or sunny days, are correlated with a change in city mood and an increase in citizens taking risks like gambling. This effect is subtle but significant, with a predicted 2.5% increase in spending on gambling in reactive neighborhoods.
A global team of computer scientists developed a method to replicate physical objects for virtual and augmented reality using a single camera with a built-in flash. The technique captures high-quality 3D geometry as well as material appearance, reproducing realistic objects in any virtual environment.
Researchers have identified a set of genes that enable S. epidermidis to cause disease in certain circumstances, making it a major concern for those undergoing surgery. The study aims to identify patients at high risk of infection before surgery, reducing the risk of post-operative infections.
A new algorithm computes and enables realistic movement and distortion of 3D surfaces, including gravity, contact, and friction. The method allows users to freely design garments around a 3D character without worrying about physics.
Stem cells derived from fat tissue can now be used to produce functioning platelets in just 12 days. This breakthrough could provide a reliable and safe supply of platelets for patients with cancer and other disorders, reducing the reliance on donated platelets.
The study found a significant increase in test ordering among GPs between 2000/1 and 2015/16, with an average of five tests per year in 2015/16. This has major implications for general practitioners' workload and the NHS budget.
A randomized controlled trial found that women receiving psychological support from domestic violence advocates experienced reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress compared to those receiving advocacy alone. The intervention improved mental health outcomes and was deemed 'life-changing' by participants.
A global team of researchers has identified 12 genomic regions associated with ADHD, suggesting a significant role in brain-related processes. The study found that diagnosed ADHD shares much of the same genetic background as traits of ADHD in the general population, at a correlation rate of around 97%.
A study published in Psychological Science found that exploring objects through touch generates durable memories, even when participants don't intend to memorize details. Participants recalled objects with high accuracy after just one week, challenging existing cognitive and neural models of memory storage.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have confirmed the existence of a long-hypothesized interaction between nitrogen and titanium dioxide in the presence of light. This catalytic reaction could provide a new source of farm fertilizer, reducing costs for farmers in developing nations.
Researchers developed a mathematical model showing that two types of cellular asymmetry govern the shaping of cells into sheets and tubes. Altering one polarity can simulate diverse shapes, with initial cell arrangement and external boundaries influencing outcomes.
A study of 73 adults with sickle cell disease found that even high-dose opioid treatment did not effectively manage pain in a subset of patients. The researchers emphasize the need for non-opioid pain relievers to address this challenge.
Researchers at USC have developed a freeze-dried polio vaccine that retains potency through rehydration, providing full protection against the polio virus. The breakthrough could bring an end to this longtime foe in countries where vaccination rates are spotty.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a crucial immune system-regulating protein called ABHD12, which is linked to a rare genetic disease featuring brain and nerve problems. The study suggests that targeting ABHD12 may offer new avenues for treating cancers and chronic viral infections.
University of Kent researchers have successfully used IVF embryo breakthrough technology to screen for genetic merit and chromosome disorders in cattle. This innovative approach allows for earlier decision-making on the quality of breeding stock and more efficient delivery of genetically screened embryos to farms.
Researchers have used magnetoencephalography to measure magnetite levels in the human brain, which could lead to new studies on its role in neurodegenerative diseases. The study found greater accumulation of magnetite in the brains of older individuals, primarily in the hippocampus.
Research suggests that oxygenic photosynthesis could have occurred at least one billion years before the emergence of cyanobacteria, a key factor in increasing atmospheric oxygen levels. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the origins of complex life and its potential evolution on other planets.
A University of Queensland and Deakin University-led study reveals that predators drive the evolution of cooperative relationships between species like clownfish and anemones. The research found that fish-anemone mutualisms have evolved at least 55 times across 16 fish families over the past 60 million years.
A University of Alberta study found that two types of word predictors determine funniness: form predictors measure word sound and writing similarity, while semantic predictors relate to emotions and categories like sex and bodily functions.
A WSU researcher has modeled microplastic fiber movement through the environment, shedding light on their environmental impact. The study found that fibers' length and water speed determine settlement or continued movement.
Researchers have determined the structure of an enzyme that helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. A small molecule stimulates LCAT enzyme action, showing promise for treating heart and kidney disease. The study paves the way for potential new therapeutics.
Researchers have discovered that dasatinib sensitizes triple negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy by targeting breast cancer stem cells. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis found an increased risk of second cancers at sites associated with HPV after a prior HPV-associated malignancy.
New research finds that State pension age changes are forcing many older workers, particularly women, to live precarious lives due to physically demanding jobs and insecure employment. Researchers argue that state-provided financial support mechanisms are needed to enable people to exercise control over their retirement timing.
A recent study found a direct link between the amount of stigma men with HIV report experiencing and their scores on cognitive tests, measuring abilities like memory and attention. The researchers suggest that addressing stigma may address cognitive impairment in this population by reducing anxiety and depression.
Researchers discovered that ancient people used sophisticated astronomy to keep track of time, with dates accurate within 250 years. This advanced knowledge may have aided navigation and influenced prehistoric human migration.
A study published in Cell Reports identified an enzyme on the surface of some lung cancer cells that helps feed the cancer, making it a promising treatment target. The enzyme, TMPRSS11B, promotes tumor growth by encouraging lactate export and may be susceptible to antibody or small molecule therapy.
Wits physicists have developed a new device for manipulating and moving tiny objects, such as single cells in a human body or tiny particles in small volume chemistry, using the full beam of laser light. The device uses vector holographic trapping and tweezing to control and manipulate minute objects with high precision.
Physicians at Massachusetts Eye and Ear successfully induced a sense of smell in human subjects by stimulating nerves in the olfactory bulb. The breakthrough opens doors for developing implant technology to restore smell in those who have lost it, with potential applications in treating anosmia.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that water fleas detect predator presence through a cocktail of signalling molecules secreted by Chaoborus larvae during digestion. The fleas respond by growing defensive features such as neckteeth and spines, making them harder to consume.
A study by La Trobe University found that Fitbits have good-to-excellent reliability for measuring running speeds between 8-14kms/h. The accuracy of the device was also confirmed in a slow motion visual count, with a difference of less than one per cent.
The USPSTF finds limited or inconsistent evidence on the benefits of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment. Children with signs or symptoms suggesting maltreatment should be assessed or reported according to applicable state laws.
The study of 'dancing' hyperons in pear-shaped hypernuclei reveals unique behaviors and new insights into fundamental interactions. Researchers found that the hyperon's spatial distribution has a spherical symmetry when occupying the lowest-energy state, shrinking nuclear size and decreasing quadrupole deformation.
The tegu lizard's genome has been sequenced to an unprecedented level of quality, revealing its ability to regulate its body temperature and potentially threatening native species. The high-quality genome assembly will aid scientists in studying other lizards and snakes, shedding light on their evolutionary history.
Researchers have discovered how DNA gyrase, a molecular machine in bacterial cells, prevents twists in DNA that can stop replication and kill the cell. This knowledge can lead to the design of new targeted antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The study found the earliest evidence of Siberian ancestry in Fennoscandia in a population inhabiting the Kola Peninsula, Russia, dating to around 4,000 years ago. Ancient DNA from Finland reveals that people genetically similar to present-day Saami people inhabited areas in much more southern parts of Finland than the Saami today.
A team of researchers has conducted a comprehensive survey of healthy corals, revealing that coral bacteria form complex associations with different sections of the coral body. The study found that distinct microbial communities exist in each tissue type, with the hard skeleton containing the greatest diversity of bacteria.
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered changes in brain activity linked to the brain's reward memory response in depression. The research found that the strength of signals between two brain regions is critical for processing rewarding stimuli.
Researchers identified a more pathogenic strain of S. aureus associated with increased biofilm formation and transmission risk, linked to postoperative infections. Decolonizing patients and maintaining hand hygiene compliance are crucial in controlling the spread of this strain.
Half of ambulances targeted in Syrian conflict sustained serious damage, with 49% severely damaged or withdrawn from service. Cluster bombs and barrel bombs were frequently used by Syrian government and Russian forces.
Researchers at UPV/EHU have created a starch and graphene hydrogel with electrical and antibacterial properties suitable for neural interfaces. The hydrogel was produced using click chemistry and is stable in an aqueous medium due to the addition of salvia extracts.
Researchers created a detailed atlas of fetal and maternal cells in the first trimester, revealing 20 distinct cell types and gene expression profiles. The findings could inform further research into pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and pre-term birth.
A recent study found that Delaware's comprehensive background check policy led to a significant increase in firearm background checks, with no comparable effect in Washington and Colorado. The study suggests that enforcement and compliance issues hindered the policy's impact in these states.
Researchers urge recognition of parental alienation as a form of family violence, citing its negative consequences for children's psychological health and well-being. The phenomenon involves behaviors such as targeting the other parent, creating fear, and sabotaging their relationship with the child.
Mature oligodendrocytes have been found to be capable of remyelinating damaged axons, suggesting a potential new target for treating multiple sclerosis. This discovery opens up new avenues for slowing or reversing the disease by promoting the activity of these cells.
Two clinical trials using botulinum toxin injections to suppress post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) showed promising results. Patients who received BTX injections during surgery had a sustained reduction in POAF incidence and overall burden over three years, accompanied by reduced hospitalization needs.
A Phase 3 clinical trial shows that lanadelumab injections significantly reduce the number of hereditary angioedema attacks, with improvements in quality of life. The treatment also outperforms placebo in reducing attack frequency and severity.
Researchers found that female mice developed problems with attention due to fewer 'tuning' neurons in the brain's emotion regulation area. Stress in early life led to impaired rule-reversal learning in females, while males were affected by spatial reasoning skills.
Researchers have identified the BRD9 protein as a key player in the growth and survival of synovial sarcoma cells. Degradation of this protein inhibits tumour progression, offering a potential therapeutic opportunity for treating this rare cancer.
Researchers create compact system for fluorescence imaging at the tip of a fibre, enabling high-resolution images of brain cells and neuronal processes in deep brain areas. This breakthrough technology offers a minimally invasive approach to study sensory perception, memory formation, and severe neuronal diseases like Alzheimer's.
A study published in Music Perception reveals that children with hearing impairments who engage in regular music activities exhibit better speech perception in noisy conditions. The results suggest that parental singing and daily musical engagement are crucial for developing communication skills.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry proposes a new classification system for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, moving away from the oversimplified two-category approach. This shift aims to improve treatment outcomes by providing more precise measures of symptom severity and guiding the development of targeted therapies.
A study found that pulsed radiofrequency (pRF) is an effective treatment option for patients with acute lower back pain from lumbar disk herniation. pRF was superior to steroid injections in reducing inflammation and symptoms, resulting in faster pain relief and improved quality of life.
A UCLA-led team has developed a new method to analyze nanocrystals using electron microscopes, enabling quick identification of small molecule structures. This technique accelerates processes for drug development by allowing scientists to screen more samples faster.
Researchers have discovered a lipid called phosphatidylglycerol (PG) that may help restore healthy skin turnover in people with psoriasis. PG reduced inflammation and raised skin lesions when applied topically to a mouse model of psoriasis, suggesting it could be a new treatment option.
A Pitt engineer-clinician team has discovered that artificially creating dynamic topography on synthetic vascular grafts can resist platelet fouling, a key factor in thrombosis. The research may lead to the development of medical devices that improve treatment of injured or diseased arteries.
A new approach to securing medical imaging devices using artificial intelligence was presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting. The system detects anomalies in scan protocols and alerts operators before malicious commands are executed.
Japanese researchers have developed a technique for automatic anime colorization using deep learning, which is based on recent advances in machine learning approaches. The technique uses a combination of image segmentation and voting techniques to refine the colorization result.
Researchers develop a novel methodology for characterizing neurons and their gene expression patterns, uncovering species-specific and age-related differences that could hold major implications for studying human brain disorders.
Researchers found that certain antibiotics can alter the way bacteria divide and interact with each other, leading to increased competence and the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. Biofilms play a crucial role in this process, allowing cells to secrete higher concentrations of a peptide that triggers quorum sensing.
Research reveals unexpectedly low condom use rates among Western Australian sex workers, with only 33% of female sex workers reporting consistent condom use during oral sex. The authors recommend decriminalization, increased sexual health education, and peer support opportunities to address this issue.