A policy package of bequest taxes and land value taxes could reduce wealth inequality without diminishing economic performance. The study finds that these taxes have a strong advantage over corporate taxation, and can even help mitigate housing shortages.
A Stanford-UCSF study has analyzed the mysterious Ata skeleton, a human fetus with severe genetic mutations, revealing multiple genes contributing to bone deformities and dwarfism. The comprehensive genomic analysis adds new mutational variants to the repository of known disease-causing genes.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School propose a coordinated effort to develop clear definitions of acupuncture points and evaluate their biological basis. The study aims to address the skepticism surrounding acupuncture's legitimacy in mainstream healthcare.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a self-folding material inspired by the earwig's wing, which can operate without muscular actuation. This innovation has potential applications in space travel, foldable electronics, and everyday objects.
Researchers analyzed preschool-age children's supragingival microbiomes to understand early childhood caries (ECC) development. Notable differences in bacterial species abundance were found among caries-free, restored disease, and untreated disease groups, suggesting that restorative care alone may not reverse ECC-associated dysbiosis.
A study found that bariatric surgery significantly improves cardiovascular disease risk factors and blood glucose control, while medication has limited effectiveness. The analysis of existing data from two studies showed a 70% improvement rate in A1c levels among surgically treated teens.
A new study reveals that pups with less maternal care have more repeated genetic sequences in their neurons. The researchers found a link between maternal care and transposon replication in the hippocampus, but not in other brain regions or organs.
Researchers at UCSF and Stanford University sequence the genome of a mysterious skeleton, nicknamed 'Ata', revealing rare genetic mutations associated with dwarfism and bone growth disorders. The analysis highlights the power of open-source genetic data in enabling precise diagnoses.
A recent study found that the rate of hip replacement revision surgery has decreased in all age groups except those between 45 and 64 years old. In this age group, the revision rate increased by over 30%, indicating a need for longer-lasting implants.
Researchers found that participants reciprocated more with wealthy individuals, even when they displayed equal generosity. This led to a widening of the wealth gap as recipients favored the wealthy, resulting in increased social capital disparities.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that hunger suppresses chronic pain by targeting specific brain cells. The study discovered that activating a group of 300 neurons responsible for prioritizing hunger over pain significantly reduced inflammatory pain responses, while acute pain responses remained intact.
Researchers from Moscow State University discovered the structure of a key region of the telomerase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in cellular aging and DNA replication. The study's findings have significant implications for developing potential anticancer drugs and understanding the regulation of telomerase activity.
Researchers from the University of Surrey tested 50 drug-free volunteers and 15 drug users, detecting cocaine and heroin residues in 13% and 1% of fingerprints respectively. A 'cut-off' level was established to distinguish between environmental contaminants and genuine drug use, even after washing hands.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a compound that prevents breast cancer cells from spreading to the brain. Edelfosine, an investigational leukemia treatment, has been shown to stop cancer stem cells from growing once they reach the brain. This finding offers new hope for treating metastatic brain disease.
Researchers at MIT have developed a device that can extract potable water from even the driest of desert air, with relative humidities as low as 10 percent. The system uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and can be powered solely by sunlight.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a non-invasive test called UroSEEK, which uses urine samples to detect DNA mutations associated with bladder cancer. The test significantly enhances early detection for patients at risk and surveillance of those who have already been treated. When combined with cytology, the sensitiv...
Research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that stopping exercise can lead to significant increases in depressive symptoms within three days. The study, conducted by PhD student Julie Morgan and Professor Bernhard Baune, suggests a novel effect on mental health that warrants further investigation.
Research suggests that past environmental changes have impacted the geographic range and species diversity of deep-sea yeti crabs. The study reveals that these animals are likely descended from a common ancestor that inhabited mid-ocean ridges in the SE Pacific, but their populations have declined due to climate change.
Research examines subgingival virome in periodontal health and disease, finding lower virus levels in healthy controls compared to diseased subjects. The dominant viruses were members of the Herpes Simplex family, with gram-negative phages predominating in diseases.
Researchers at MIT have found a compound that promotes new blood vessel growth, boosting endurance in elderly mice by up to 80 percent. The study suggests that this restoration of muscle mass could help combat age-related frailty and related conditions.
According to a new PSU study, children from wealthier families are more likely to have an internal locus of control, meaning they feel control over their lives. This is largely due to parental discussions about school, access to resources and academic performance.
Researchers found that restoring SIRT1 reverses vascular aging, increasing capillaries and endurance by up to 80%. The study shows promise for preventing age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and frailty.
Researchers found that hospital staff sympathize with patients who self-discharge due to a lack of control and discomfort on hospital wards. The study suggests that viewing self-discharge in a more positive light enables staff to demonstrate compassion toward patients.
A new study from Virginia Tech found that fluid shear stress causes cancerous cells to become more aggressive and benign cells to exhibit traits of cancer. This discovery could lead to the development of a predictor for ovarian cancer, enabling earlier diagnosis and potentially saving thousands of lives.
A team of biologists has deciphered the formation of motion-detecting neurons in the fly brain, revealing a complex process based on simple developmental rules. The discovery offers new insights into the fundamental processes governing neural circuit formation and could lead to new therapeutic advances for neurological disorders.
Engineered 3D morphogen gradients in hydrogels direct human salivary gland stem/progenitor cell differentiation into ductal and acinar cell phenotypes. Growth factor gradients support salivary gland cell motility and can serve as instructive matrices for tissue engineering.
Scientists identified a mechanism of resistance to ibrutinib, a current treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and discovered a promising therapeutic target in three enzymes. Blocking these enzymes with masitinib completely ablated the B-cell receptor pro-tumorigenic signals.
Researchers found that targeted drug treatment before surgery can safely treat women with aggressive tumours using breast-conserving surgery, sparing patients from extensive surgery. This approach resulted in fewer long-term side-effects and improved quality of life for a significant proportion of patients.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire used high-resolution LiDAR scans to identify washboard-like De Geer moraines, which provide an annual record of ice retreat. The study suggests that each ridge marks a spot where the edge of the great continental ice sheet paused or pushed forward for long enough to pile up debris.
Researchers have discovered specific enzymes in honeybees and bumblebees that enable them to metabolize neonicotinoid insecticides safely. This knowledge can be used to design bee-friendly insecticides, potentially reducing the harm caused by these chemicals to pollinators.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that rival sperm competition makes ant sperm better swimmers, increasing their mobility, speed, and straightness by up to 50%. Researchers discovered that seminal fluid from rival males and queen secretions enhance sperm motility, suggesting a self-non-self-recognition mechanism.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that high GPAs can actually hurt women's job chances, as employers prioritize 'likability' over academic success. Women who excel in school are often met with skepticism, while moderate achievers may be seen as more likable.
A study found that depression is associated with an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. Participants who scored highest on a clinical screening test for depression had a 30% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than those with normal test scores.
A new study found that incorporating pecans into a typical American diet significantly improved insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults. Pecan consumption had a significant effect on markers of cardiometabolic disease, particularly in those with excess belly fat.
Agricultural nitrogen runoff has created a massive oxygen-deprived 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico, taking decades to recover even if eliminated. The area would need to reach 5,000 km² by 2050 to mitigate effects, an unrealistic goal given current unsustainable levels.
A new study found that many care home admissions are based on coercive practices, disregarding fundamental human rights. The research highlights the need for stronger regulation and safeguards to protect older people from abuse.
Researchers have identified over 30 different subtypes of retinal ganglion cells, the neurons responsible for processing visual information. This comprehensive understanding will enable the development of more tailored drug development and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative vision disorders.
The use of wood pellets for clean energy is limited by the loss of carbon sequestration in forests and the impact on biodiversity. The process also requires fossil fuels during manufacturing and overseas shipping, negating any potential carbon neutrality.
A new laser-based system can detect small methane leaks over an area of several square miles, allowing for continuous monitoring of costly and dangerous leaks. The technology uses frequency comb laser spectroscopy to pinpoint the location and size of leaks with high sensitivity and range.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital identified hundreds of cancer-driving genes with unique sensitivities in various tissues. The study suggests that tissue type plays a crucial role in cancer genetics and may impact the effectiveness of treatments.
Methanotrophic bacteria have the unique ability to take in copper for use in methane metabolism, a process that also digests the potent greenhouse gas. A Northwestern University study has pinpointed two proteins, MbnB and MbnC, as key players in this process.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that parents' engagement in mathematical activities with their children is linked to higher early numeracy skills. Activities such as counting, sorting, and simple sums were associated with better number processing and calculation skills.
A recent study published in International Journal of Obesity found that patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had a significantly lower risk of developing severe chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. The Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study followed over 4,000 patients with obesity for more than 20 years and showed that surgica...
Researchers created an algorithm that sorts intervention program participants into smaller groups based on social connections and prior history of substance abuse. The AI tool performs significantly better than control strategies in forming groups, suggesting that evenly distributing regular users can decrease success rates.
A Cancer Research UK landmark study found that smoking remains a major preventable cause of cancer, accounting for 32,200 cases in men and 22,000 in women. Excess weight is also a significant risk factor, with over 22,800 cases attributed to being overweight or obese annually.
A new study found that serious chest muscle injuries, including pectoralis major tears, are occurring with 'alarming frequency' among deployed service members who lift weights. The injuries required surgical repair and six months recovery.
Chemists at JMU successfully generate solid compounds with twisted boron-boron double bonds, resulting in unusually stable biradicals that can be studied without rushing.
A new measurement chip has been developed to detect Legionella pneumophila, a deadly bacterium that causes pneumonia. The chip uses microarray analysis and can identify the specific subtype of the pathogen present within 34 minutes.
Exercise of any duration, from short bursts to sustained activity, can reduce Americans' risk of disease and death. Moderate exertion, such as brisk walking, is defined as hard to carry a conversation, while vigorous exercise is faster than that.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that an intervention using hip hop music increased stroke awareness for economically-disadvantaged children and their parents. The program improved knowledge of stroke symptoms among children from 2% to 57% right after the intervention.
Replacing naturally occurring molecules could reverse symptoms of aging, potentially influencing exercise capacity and physical endurance. The study found that restoring blood flow to tissues and organs with age could be reversed by replicating the benefits of exercise.
Researchers found that certain nutrient supplements, such as taurine and antioxidants, may improve mental health in young people with psychosis. The study suggests that these nutrients may be effective as an 'add-on' treatment for some patients.
Researchers at Lobachevsky University and University of Calabria propose new visual techniques to compare nature-inspired and deterministic global optimization algorithms. Their experiments show that both classes of methods are competitive, with performance depending on computational budget.
Leprosy patients develop unusual fatty clots that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Researchers identified key factors and molecules involved in clot formation, including soluble tissue factor and von Willebrand factor.
A global survey found nearly a third of antibiotics prescribed to hospitalized children were for preventive use, contradicting current guidelines. The study highlights the need for improved antibiotic prescribing practices and education for health professionals.
Research found that gut bacteria dominate in patients with pancreatic cancer, preventing immune system attacks on tumor cells. Antibiotics slowed cancer growth and reprogrammed immune cells to recognize cancer cells again.
A new study reveals that children with physical disabilities are at a higher risk of poor mental health, especially girls from socio-economically vulnerable families. The research found that these children use medication for mental health issues more frequently and experience greater problems if they also come from low-income families.
A recent study found that medical students receive little formal instruction in radiation oncology, a crucial aspect of cancer treatment. The study highlights the need for radiation oncologists to take ownership over educating medical students about their specialty's value in patient care. Despite this gap, some departments reported en...
A genetic mutation in the PIEZO1 gene may protect people from malaria by dehydrating red blood cells, a condition previously thought to be extremely rare. The mutation is found to be common in African populations, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to malaria.
Researchers discovered a key step in blood digestion that can be targeted to disrupt hookworm development. Testing quinolones disrupted hemozoin formation, interrupting development and reproduction, offering promise for new treatments against human-infecting hookworms.