Researchers conducted real-life auctions where people were paid to close their Facebook accounts for varying durations. The results showed that the average value of Facebook access exceeds $1,000 for a year, with students placing higher values than community members. The study contrasts the company's market capitalization with the valu...
Scientists develop acoustic tweezers capable of independently levitating a range of small-sized objects using sound waves. This technology offers several advantages over optical tweezers, including the ability to penetrate biological tissue safely and non-invasively, making it ideal for cell manipulation applications.
A new study examines data from 11 western sites to quantify climate change effects on coniferous forests. The researchers found that previous datasets yielded conflicting results depending on the methodology used, highlighting the need for a standard approach.
Researchers found that the ability of self-renewal declines in old age, especially in certain intermediate stages called transit amplifying progenitors. This leads to a halt in the production of olfactory cells as they tend to remain in the stem cell pool and become less active.
Patients with type 1 diabetes exhibit altered brain connectivity patterns compared to healthy individuals, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. The research, led by the University of Barcelona, employed fMRI techniques to investigate brain activity during working memory tasks.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that tau protein and amyloid-beta interact to impair brain function. Elevated tau levels were associated with reduced neural activity, regardless of tangle formation.
A new genus and species of ceratosaurian, Saltriovenator zanellai, has been discovered in the Lower Jurassic of Italy, dating back over 25 million years. The specimen is the world's largest predatory dinosaur and features a unique combination of ancestral and advanced anatomical features.
Food bank users face financial hardship due to benefit penalties and precarious employment. The study found that benefits like under-occupancy penalty or Jobseeker's Allowance cuts cause short-term budgetary crises, often prompting food bank use.
Researchers found that providing universal vaccination against meningitis B infection to college students would be too costly, as the vaccine prevents only a small number of cases. However, they suggest that if the price is lowered, universal vaccination might be worth requiring on college campuses.
A new peanut variety has been discovered to conserve water during droughts, allowing it to maintain a high yield as the soil dries out. By reducing transpiration earlier in the drought cycle, the plant saves water for later use, resulting in increased productivity.
A new analysis in BJS reveals that women requiring breast-conserving surgery re-operation pay £4,511 more in hospital costs than those with clear margins. This finding emphasizes the importance of reducing re-operation rates to achieve significant cost savings.
A West Virginia University researcher suggests that forests are experiencing declining health due to climate change, leading to unbalanced growth and increased risk of disease. To restore a balanced diet, researchers recommend severely cutting back or ending fossil fuel use.
A new study found that dancing alone was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of developing activities of daily living (ADL) disability in older Japanese women. Dancing requires various elements such as balance, strength, and cognitive ability, which may contribute to its superior benefits in maintaining ADL capacity.
Contact lens wearers are advised to remove their lenses before sleeping to avoid microbial keratitis, a potentially serious infection. Proper eye care is crucial to prevent such health issues.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created twisted electromagnetic waves using magnetic defects, allowing for precise imaging of material properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new devices and a deeper understanding of chiral materials.
Researchers found that marmosets prefer melodies with consistent dependencies, mirroring human language structures. This discovery implies that primates already possessed this cognitive ability, shared with humans, around 30 million years ago.
A new study found a robust link between higher levels of several nutrient biomarkers in the blood and enhanced performance on specific cognitive tests. The analysis revealed that omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, lycopene, and vitamins B and D worked synergistically to improve brain health and cognition in older adults.
Scientists developed a nonmagnetic high-pressure cell to preserve neutron spin polarization, enabling three-dimensional analysis of electron spin arrangements. This technique has potential applications in developing new materials with multiferroic properties and controlling spins.
Machine learning helps detect epigenetic features in genomes and identifies similarities between phenotypes and gene modifications.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a 3D-printed robotic hand that can play simple musical phrases on the piano using passive movement. The robot's wrist actuation allows it to mimic different playing styles, demonstrating the potential for smart mechanical design in achieving complex movement.
Filling canals with spoil banks is a successful restoration technique that has been rarely applied in Louisiana. This method is dramatically cost-effective, with estimated costs of $335 million compared to the economic value gained from extracting oil and gas for the last century.
A recent study on Australian diabetics aged under 50 reveals an alarming rise in end-stage kidney disease, underscoring the need for aggressive risk factor treatment. The research highlights the importance of early intervention to mitigate this trend and alleviate pressure on Australia's kidney dialysis services.
Researchers successfully developed yeast to produce large quantities of stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener, cutting out the need for plant extraction. The study aims to improve the production process and create next-generation no-calorie sweeteners with better taste.
A recent study found that food insecurity is associated with an increased likelihood of binge-eating disorder and obesity in US adults. Individuals with binge-eating disorder and obesity reported cutting meal sizes and skipping meals more frequently than those with a healthy weight.
Researchers predict a shift in the sex ratio of green turtles, with warmer temperatures leading to more female hatchlings and increased nesting females. Climate change is expected to submerge key nesting areas, threatening the species' survival.
A newly discovered protein from the bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens has been found to be 100 million times better at binding to lanthanides than to other metals. The protein's unique structure may explain its remarkable selectivity, which could provide insights into detecting and targeting rare-earth metals for industrial purposes.
A team of international researchers has captured the tensor-force originated high-momentum proton-neutron pairs using a proton scattering experiment. The study reveals the dominance of particular nuclear structures, shedding light on the nuclear force's non-central component and its effect on nuclear structure.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a micro-robot called HAMR-E that can climb on vertical and upside-down surfaces, allowing for non-invasive inspection of hard-to-reach areas of large machines. The robot uses electroadhesive foot pads and origami ankle joints to navigate complex environments, saving companies time and money.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) reviewed 2018's top research stories, including machine learning and new solutions for plastic waste. Experts predict key advances in 2019, such as automated chemical synthesis and analysis, and solid-state battery technologies.
Scientists have developed a new vaccine against the Zika virus, which can prevent microcephaly and other serious conditions in unborn babies. The vaccine is based on the yellow fever vaccine and offers complete protection.
New research by University of Alberta biologists found that wolves decrease their movement rates and travel shorter distances during snowfall events. The effects were most pronounced at night, when wolves hunt, and behavior returned to normal within a day.
A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children who consumed milk cereal drinks daily at 12 months old were almost twice as likely to be overweight at five years old. The risk was independent of other factors, including parental education and smoking habits.
Scientists have discovered a molecular cause of rare autoimmune disorders, including Singleton-Merten syndrome and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Mistakes in RNA proofreading lead to improper interferon signaling, triggering autoimmunity.
Research from Duke University Medical Center found that cannabis use affects epigenetics, altering DNA methylation and structural changes in sperm. The study's findings raise concerns about the potential genetic impact of cannabis on children born to fathers who have used the substance.
Scientists discover compound inhibiting SRPK1, a key gene controlling RNA splicing, effectively kills MLL-rearranged AML cells. The research offers a potential new approach to treating acute myeloid leukaemia with minimal harm to healthy blood cells.
A new study found elevated mortality patterns among late-Gen X (38-45 year-olds) and early-Gen Y (27-37 year-olds), with non-Hispanic whites being disproportionately affected. The study suggests that economic difficulties during the Great Recession may have contributed to increased health impacts on these age groups.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that short-finned pilot whales off the coast of Hawai'i have distinct vocal dialects. The discovery may help researchers better understand the whales' social behavior and conservation needs.
Research at Ruhr-University Bochum shows that blindness disrupts brain's organisation and memory ability in mice. After vision loss, other senses like touch, hearing, and smell become more sensitive over time.
A team of researchers developed a neuroinspired hardware-software co-design approach that can make neural network training more energy-efficient and faster. The approach uses a type of energy-efficient neural network called spiking neural networks, combined with the soft-pruning algorithm to minimize computing power and time.
The research team measured the Casimir torque's effect on liquid crystals, proving its significance in twisting them. The findings could lead to new nanoscale devices, such as actuators or motors, and help researchers understand nanoscale part motions powered by the Casimir effect.
Researchers from UNIGE analyzed skin and blood cells from five women, identifying 55 genes that escape inactivation of the second X chromosome. The team found that XIST gene expression is key to inactivation, but also discovered five other genes playing a crucial role in the mechanism.
Research by Heather Watts found that house finch breeding seasons are shifting approximately four-and-a-half days earlier with every degree Celsius increase in temperature. This shift may be beneficial for the birds if they can time breeding with seed availability, but could become problematic as climate change continues.
A biopsy needle with a tiny fiber-optic camera has been tested in humans to help surgeons identify and avoid blood vessels in the brain during surgery. The device detected blood vessels with high accuracy (91.2% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity), reducing the risk of brain bleeds.
A study found that exercise improved executive function, a person's ability to regulate behavior and achieve goals, while having no impact on memory. After six months of aerobic exercise, participants showed significant improvements in thinking skills compared to those who did not exercise.
A research group at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is developing procedures for monitoring the newly-developed therapies for neuroretinal degeneration. They are using a highly accurate method to measure perception thresholds, which can also be used to track disease progression and test new treatments.
A new review article explores how fire histories affect animal movement patterns and the distribution of species. It highlights the consequences of altered fire regimes and habitat fragmentation on animal populations, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand these complex interactions.
Researchers investigated nanomaterials' potential to activate the body's antitumor immune response. The study found that biomaterials can induce immunogenic cell death, leading to a decrease in metastases and an increase in long-term survival rates.
Researchers discovered that ovarian cancer cells colonize the omentum after being caught in DNA 'webs' extruded by immune cells. Inhibiting NET formation reduces metastasis in mice, suggesting a new approach to limit ovarian cancer spread. This study provides insights into improving ovarian cancer treatment.
Researchers apply biological principles of self-organisation to swarm robotics, enabling robots to grow shapes without predefined plans. The robot swarms adapt to damage and self-repair, making them reliable for real-world applications such as disaster response or temporary structures.
The study reveals over 450 millipede fossils, including those from 13 main orders, with the oldest known fossils found within the studied amber. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of millipedes and their diversification over time.
A decade-long study found that vaginal childbirth substantially increases the probability of developing pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse, later in life. The study also identified delivery modes associated with higher risk, including spontaneous vaginal delivery and operative vaginal delivery.
Natural killer T cells use a stress-related pathway to produce cytokines, which play a crucial role in protecting against diseases. This unique mechanism highlights the selectivity of this response to this particular cell type.
A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that nearly 20% of cardiovascular disease deaths in Shandong province could be attributed to high sodium intake. Reducing salt consumption is estimated to prevent up to 8,800 deaths from cardiovascular disease.
Women born with low birthweight are at increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Those who were overweight or obese after pregnancy had even higher risks, highlighting the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in reducing these risks.
Researchers at SUTD and NTU developed ferrocene-based molecules that impair malaria parasite's metabolic function, leading to parasite death. G3, a gold complexed ferrocinyl phosphine derivative, demonstrated potent antimalarial activity against standard and drug-resistant strains.
A new study reveals that firearm-related deaths are the second leading cause of death among US children and teens, accounting for over 60% of preventable deaths. The rate of firearm-related death remains persistent, with over eight children dying daily, and disproportionately affects urban adolescents and African-American youth.
A study of 143 young adults found that compulsive social media use and problem drinking share common personality traits, including narcissism and impulsivity. The study suggests targeting impulsiveness and executive dyscontrol may be effective in treating disordered social media use.
Researchers use human T cells to create unbreakable encryption keys, solving a problem in mathematical algorithms that relies on one-way functions. The approach is designed to protect against increasingly powerful computers and quantum computing.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals that sea levels are rising faster in some U.S. East Coast regions compared to others, primarily due to post-glacial rebound. The research team found that when post-glacial rebound was stripped away, sea level trends increased steadily from Maine to Florida, indicating the impa...
Research found that sadistic individuals, including everyday people, experience negative mood after engaging in aggressive acts. This challenges the notion that sadism is solely linked to pleasure.