Research highlights music therapy's effectiveness in treating traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder among military personnel. Studies show that music can rebuild damaged neural connections, promote motivation, and improve patient outcomes.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that obesity is associated with a decline in taste buds due to chronic inflammation and fat accumulation. Mice fed an obesogenic diet had 25% fewer taste buds than lean mice, with increased apoptosis rates and decreased progenitor cells.
Research finds that living abroad leads to clearer career decision-making and increased self-concept clarity. The study, conducted by a team of social scientists at Rice University and other institutions, suggests that depth, not breadth, of international experiences enhances self-discerning reflections.
A study found that hospitals in Toronto, Canada, discarded personal health information in recycling bins, including clinical notes and medical reports. The study highlights the need for organizational solutions to improve security of paper-based personal health information.
A new study found that limiting first-year medical residents to 16-hour work shifts improves their work-life balance and satisfaction, but not their educational outcomes. The study of 63 internal medicine training programs nationwide showed no impact on interns' activity or test scores.
A growing burden of uncontrolled pain in low- and middle-income countries is highlighted, with only 6.7% of medical opioids available to these regions. Experts outline strategies for improving access to pain treatment, including education in multidisciplinary pain medicine and balancing regulation of opioids.
Physicists at ITMO University and University of Sheffield created a polariton crystal lattice with adjustable geometry. The lattice's properties can be modified, allowing for the study of quantum effects and potential applications in optical computing.
Researchers found that polygenic risk scores, which were originally developed to predict first breast cancer risk, can also quantify the risk of a second breast cancer in BRCA carriers. This technology has been shown to be effective in predicting the risk of a second breast cancer in women with high-risk BRCA gene mutations.
Researchers developed a 'candy cane' polymer weave that increases charge storage capacity, enabling flexible batteries and supercapacitors. The new material has nearly double the specific capacitance compared to conventional PEDOT-based supercapacitors.
Researchers have discovered a balance between two sets of transcription factors that instruct blood vessel cells to become blood stem cells during embryonic development. The findings could aid research into creating new blood cells for transplants and understanding cancer metastasis.
A meta-analysis of 20,000 US children's drawings found that females are depicted as scientists more frequently today, with a rise from 1% to 28%, yet still less than males. The study suggests that stereotypes have weakened over time and may inspire girls to pursue science interests
Research reveals that kindergarteners start caring about their public image and developing complex self-presentation strategies. By elementary school, children think critically about their reputation, mirroring adult behaviors. Interactive experiences shape children's understanding of desirable reputations and effective social strategies.
A study found that simple praise statements increase physical activity in young adults with autism, regardless of delivery method. Praise delivered through technology shows promise for producing more exercise, as participants maintained their performances even without constant support.
A new study suggests that providing free insulin and blood glucose test strips to low- and middle-income families in India significantly improves blood-sugar control. The study also found that patients' knowledge of diabetes improved, especially those with higher education and urban dwellings.
A Brazilian study found a strong association between vitamin D insufficiency and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. The researchers detected MetS in 57.8% of the women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, while only 39.8% had sufficient levels.
Scientists developed a method to predict how global warming affects disease severity, using the metabolic theory of ecology. The study showed that different processes have unique relationships with temperature, and that linking these theories can describe how disease interactions change with global warming.
A new study found that 20% of American diets account for 46% of total diet-related greenhouse emissions, with high beef consumption contributing 72% of the difference. Shifting to more plant-based diets could reduce emissions by nearly 10%.
Researchers have identified a new ocean-life zone, the rariphotic, located between 130-309 meters below the surface, where shallow reef fishes seek refuge from warming waters. The discovery reveals that these fish have double the depth range previously thought to exist.
Scientists at TUM found that electrodes are wetted twice as fast in a vacuum than under normal pressure. The liquid spreads evenly from all four sides, reducing electrolyte absorption by ten percent.
Researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology identified a family of D-stereospecific peptidases (DRPs) that are involved in combating widely-distributed antibiotics. These genes are phylogenetically widespread and pose a significant threat to treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A study by University of Exeter researchers found a link between the solar cycle and extreme cold winter weather in the UK, Scandinavia, and Asia. During periods of low sunspot activity, Arctic warming and heavy snowfall occurred.
A study spanning 1953-2011 found that socioeconomic inequalities in UK children's weight have reversed over time, with disadvantaged children now more likely to be overweight. The difference in BMI levels between the most and least disadvantaged children expanded, while the difference in height narrowed.
A recent study by Penn State researchers has found that fluctuations in rainfall in Uganda are linked to an increased risk of infant hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluids in the brain cavities. The research used satellite data and climate models to identify vulnerable areas for epidemic diseases, paving the way for preventive measures.
A new study found that dogs with noise sensitivity and musculoskeletal pain exhibit increased avoidance behaviors and a later age of onset compared to those without pain. The researchers suggest that veterinarians should thoroughly examine dogs with behavior problems associated with noise for potential underlying pain.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that parenting style and a baby's temperament have a significant impact on their weight gain. Babies with a surgent temperament are more likely to be offered food as a comfort measure, leading to overeating and a higher risk of obesity.
Carnegie Mellon's RadPiper robots will identify uranium deposits on pipe walls at the U.S. Department of Energy's former uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio, saving tens of millions of dollars in completing characterization. The robot's use reduces hazards to workers and increases labor savings by an eight-to-one ratio.
A high-fat, high-cholesterol Western diet reprograms protective immune cells called regulatory T cells into follicular helper T cells that promote inflammation and atherosclerosis. HDL 'good cholesterol' helps shield these protective cells from this transformation.
Two genes, JAK3/STAT5 and HOXA9, have been found to cooperate in triggering leukemia development. This cooperation leads to more rapid and aggressive disease progression. The discovery provides a basis for targeted therapies, not only for acute lymphoblastic leukemia but also for other leukemias.
Scientists at UC Berkeley have developed a way to create hoppy beer without using hops by genetically engineering brewer's yeast. The engineered strains produce two prominent flavor notes found in hops, resulting in beers that are indistinguishable from those made with traditional hopping methods.
Researchers found that surgeons complete operations more quickly when repeating a procedure, reducing operating theatre time by an average of 6% across 35 procedures. This 'warm-up' effect was consistent across different procedures and could lead to improved patient outcomes.
New mouse studies show that tamoxifen and raloxifene improve cardiac, respiratory, and skeletal muscle functions while increasing bone density in muscular dystrophy models. The treatments delay or halt disease progression, reducing muscle pathology and inflammation.
Researchers create a new 'green' material made from solid wastes and natural polymers to adsorb pollutants in wastewater and air. The hybrid material outperforms activated carbon with 94% efficiency and lower embodied energy.
A study found that patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who are post-menopausal or estrogen receptor positive have a low risk of recurrence. Treatment with breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy leads to very low rates of recurrence. The research also identifies clues for tailoring treatments to individual patients.
A University of Michigan biophysicist and her team have imaged the moment a photon sparks the first energy conversion steps of photosynthesis. The findings provide crucial insights into the initial charge separation during photosynthesis, an essential step in the process.
Researchers found that a combination of teaching parents how to manage behavior and relationship-building strategies was more effective than just behavior-management strategies for reducing severe disruptive behavior. For children who haven't developed severe behavioral issues, only behavior-management strategies were beneficial.
Researchers studied the behavior of southern pied babblers in the Kalahari Desert, finding that better prospects and family dynamics influence when offspring disperse. Female birds tend to remain at home in larger groups, while males leave for improved chances of leading a group elsewhere.
Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding have been linked to differences in social behavior in children later in life. The study found that rats born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency displayed abnormal social behaviors, altered brain chemistry, and impaired learning and memory.
A team of University of Tsukuba researchers uncovered the essential role of a specific gene region in regulating blood pressure homeostasis. By deleting certain regions of the renin gene, they found that one particular region, known as -5E, plays a crucial role in the basal expression of the gene.
Researchers at RIT have improved the fabrication process of nano-structures for electronic devices, increasing performance and reducing costs. The new method uses indium-gallium-phosphide materials and combines benefits of wet etching and reactive ion etching.
A comprehensive review found that acupuncture reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. The treatment also showed significant improvements in health-related quality of life, presenting a promising approach for managing bothersome vasomotor symptoms.
Researchers have identified two genes, PIAS1 and IRF8, that play a crucial role in regulating the replication of Epstein-Barr virus. By understanding how these genes interact with the virus, scientists may develop new treatments for cancer types associated with EBV infection.
A study found that targeted cancer drugs can cause cognitive and behavioral deficits in young mice, but these effects can be reversed with environmental stimulation and physical exercise. Researchers suggest that pediatric brain cancer patients may experience similar side effects, highlighting the need for remediation efforts.
A multicenter study found that metformin lowers the chance of late miscarriage and premature birth among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but has no effect on gestational diabetes risk. The medication also led to less weight gain during pregnancy, a positive finding for overweight women.
A state-by-state analysis found that sudden unexpected death of infants (SUDI) is the most common cause of full-term infant mortality in the US. The study suggests that interventions to reduce SUDI risk could lead to a major reduction in infant mortality.
Researchers at NICT Space-Time Standards Laboratory demonstrate a novel time scale generation method combining an optical lattice clock with a hydrogen maser. The resultant signal continued for half a year without interruption, outperforming Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and TT(BIPM) in terms of accuracy.
A new study found that 3D-printed models of blood vessels are as effective as commercial models in training medical students, providing a more realistic experience. The 3D printing technology can reproduce patient anatomy, allowing trainees to practice with variations before real procedures.
The researchers created a new method for changing the way buttons are activated, called Impact Activation, which was found to be 94% more precise in rapid tapping than regular activation methods. The technique can help gamers and musicians improve their speed and rhythm.
Researchers at John Innes Centre develop innovative LOCO-EFA technique to capture complex cell shapes, allowing for fair and biologically relevant comparisons. This breakthrough enables better phenotyping and understanding of cell shape dynamics, with applications in biology, paleontology, and more.
A new UCLA-led study found that cardiovascular health disparities between whites and minorities narrowed slightly from 1988 to 2014. However, the reduction was due to worsening health among whites, not improvements in African-Americans and Mexican-Americans.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute identified the MVP gene as essential for homeostatic plasticity in neurons with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, a common genetic cause of autism. The study found that reduced MVP levels disrupted neural circuit adjustments to experience, leading to impaired learning and memory.
Researchers have developed a zeolite filter to reduce carcinogens in smoked foods, resulting in superior smoke flavor. The filtered smoke was found to contain up to 93% fewer carcinogenic compounds than unfiltered smoke.
A new study reveals that intelligence is a primary factor in achieving success through cooperation. Researchers found that individuals with higher IQs displayed significantly higher levels of cooperation, leading to increased earnings. Personality traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness had a smaller impact on behavior.
Researchers at KU Leuven have identified a protein, LIpA bacteriocin, that targets and kills the deadly Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The protein's mechanism of action involves binding to the bacterial cell wall protein BamA, effectively shutting it down and allowing the bacteria to die quickly.
Researchers found that beta-amyloid triggers calcineurin, leading to loss of dendritic spines and synapses in Alzheimer's disease. Rescuing synapses with extra Pin1 or FK506, an FDA-approved drug for transplant rejection, may slow disease progression.
A new study finds that treating elderly patients with levothyroxine may increase their risk of death, particularly those with subclinical hypothyroidism. The research suggests that physicians should carefully consider the risks before prescribing levothyroxine to individuals over 65 with thyroid function imbalances.
Women with BRCA1 mutations who undergo double mastectomy have lower breast cancer-specific survival, compared to those under surveillance. For BRCA2 mutation carriers, there is no difference in the chances of dying from breast cancer between mastectomy and surveillance.
Researchers found a crucial link between chronic fatigue syndrome and lower levels of key thyroid hormones. CFS patients had lower serum levels of T3 and T4, but normal thyroid-stimulating hormone, and higher levels of reverse T3, which may indicate reduced tissue T3 levels.
Researchers have developed a microgel scavenger that targets intestinal toxins, reducing inflammation and supporting natural gut flora. The new therapy has the potential to treat conditions caused by bacterial infections, such as C. difficile-induced colitis.
A new map by University of Colorado Boulder researchers shows wide variability in how and why different areas receive snow or rain. Coastal areas have a cooler threshold for rain, while inland and mountainous areas are more likely to see flurries even above freezing temperatures.
The World Mosquito Program launches a self-sustaining program in La Paz, Mexico, using Wolbachia mosquitoes to provide long-lasting protection against dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. The initiative aims to strengthen community resilience against emerging health threats.