John Osburg's research reveals how economic reforms and anti-corruption campaigns foster corrupt business networks in post-Mao China. The study shows that elite networks use ritualized leisure activities to establish guanxi ties, which serve a purpose beyond mere entertainment or business transactions.
The study analyzed data from over 38,000 US children and adolescents, finding a decline in reported prescription medication use between 1999-2002 and 2011-2014. Trends in specific medication use varied across classes, highlighting shifts in disease patterns and treatment practices.
A 6-week CrossFit exercise programme improved blood sugar control and reduced heart disease risk in people with Type 2 diabetes. Participants showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and heart disease risk factors, even with shorter exercise sessions than traditional guidelines recommend.
The Belt and Road Initiative's economic development corridors coincide with high environmental value areas, posing significant impacts on biodiversity. China can replicate its domestic environmental practices in the BRI to achieve a balance between economic development and sustainability.
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that orangutans exposed to smoke from wildfires eat and rest more, but don't gain weight. The study suggests long-term health problems for critically endangered orangutans.
Researchers found traces of fatty acids in Dorset's acidic streams, mimicking conditions on Mars billions of years ago. They believe these findings could indicate nearly 12,000 pools of organic matter on Mars that represent past life.
A study of over 11,000 American adults found that increasing physical activity to recommended levels over six years in middle age significantly decreases the risk of heart failure. Conversely, a decrease in physical activity during this period is linked to an increased risk of the disorder.
A new method for projecting warming patterns supports substantial global warming but indicates significant variations in regions. Historically-driven climate approaches complement complex global models, providing more reliable regional climate projections.
UNIGE researchers found that a DNA-binding factor called TOX triggers immune cells to cause autoimmune tissue destruction in the brain. This discovery provides important insights into understanding and treating auto-immune diseases.
Lung transplant patients with recent alcohol use spent more time in the hospital and on ventilators, with no differences in lung function. Abstaining from alcohol may help optimize lung transplant outcomes.
Researchers have identified a control switch that regulates genetic signals during embryonic development, which could help prevent birth defects and cancers. The study found that externally driven fluctuations in gene signaling are suppressed by the Notch pathway, a potential target for modulating genetic signals.
Researchers used eyewitness accounts from 2014 and 2016 to reconstruct the 1946 tsunami's heights and distances, challenging previous estimates. The study found tsunami heights over five meters and flooded areas of up to 600 meters inland.
The MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial at UConn Health will specifically recruit people from communities of color with PTSD, focusing on experiences of racial violence and discrimination. The treatment has shown promise in reducing symptoms and allowing patients to process their trauma into something stronger.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and National Tsing Hua University developed a method to rapidly manipulate cilia's chemical signaling pathways, which can lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating human diseases. The technique, called STRIP, enables precise control over microtubule modifications in living cells.
A Canadian research team has discovered how brain stem cells collaborate to build brain circuits during development. This understanding may lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The study also suggests that manipulating these brain-resident stem cells could promote brain repair.
Brown University researchers found a new strategy to stimulate autophagy, the cellular recycling process, by manipulating a transcription factor. The approach increased lifespans of worms and flies, and hinted at potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease and ALS in human cells.
A new expert consensus review found that a balanced diet with sufficient protein intake can benefit adult bone health, particularly in seniors with osteoporosis. Adequate calcium intake is crucial to support the benefits of dietary protein on bone density and reduce fracture risk.
A consensus among 22 nutrition researchers is that sugar-sweetened beverages increase cardiometabolic risk factors compared to equal amounts of starch. The paper also suggests that aspartame does not promote weight gain and consumption of polyunsaturated fats lowers disease risk when compared to saturated fats.
Researchers optimize system to drive two-electron chemical reactions, significantly improving efficiency over one-electron reactions. The discovery enables the conversion of CO2 into liquid fuels, paving the way for practical carbon-recycling systems.
Researchers identified a correlation between gut microbial composition and microRNA expression in human colorectal cancer. The study found that dozens of microRNAs are differentially regulated in colorectal cancer tumors and are correlated with the abundance of microbes in the tumor microenvironment.
A new study reveals that optimal timing of cultural management techniques such as careful rotary hoeing, delayed planting, and diverse crop rotations can significantly impact organic weed control. By reducing weed emergence and promoting soil fertility, these methods help crops become more competitive against weeds.
A study of over 800 women found that acupuncture administered prior to and following embryo transfer did not improve live birth rates compared to a sham control. However, the researchers reported psycho-social benefits from acupuncture for women undergoing IVF.
BU researcher Duo Zhang has received a highly competitive $100,000 NIH Pathway to Independence Award to investigate a previously unidentified RNA molecular in lung inflammation. The grant will assist him in launching independent research on bacterial-induced pneumonia.
Research at Lund University reveals that attentive adults can increase children's ability to empathize by engaging in interactive storytelling. Children as young as 33 months old demonstrated an understanding of false beliefs when hearing stories together with engaged adults.
Researchers found that continued treatment of muscle wasting with a soluble growth factor receptor protein improved survival in a pre-clinical cancer model. The study suggests a possible causal link between preserving muscle mass and improved survival, but notes that other factors may also play a role.
A randomized clinical trial of 824 women undergoing IVF found no significant difference in live birth rates between those receiving acupuncture and sham acupuncture. The study, published in JAMA, provides insight into the effectiveness of acupuncture in fertility treatments.
A high-fiber diet increases survival in influenza-infected mice by setting the immune system at a healthy level of responsiveness. It also boosts antiviral immunity by activating T cells, mediated by changes in gut bacteria composition.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that white people perceive biracial individuals as less trustworthy and likeable when they contextually present themselves as one race or another. In a series of studies, hundreds of white participants rated bloggers who identified as biracial but presented themselves differently in different sit...
A new study measures regional job creation due to native predators' regulating services, finding that American kestrels can save farmers up to $357 of cherries per dollar spent on nest boxes. Building these boxes is estimated to generate 46 to 50 jobs and over $2 million in increased revenue for Michigan's economy.
New research by the University of British Columbia reveals that industrial fisheries using bottom trawling methods waste 437 million tonnes of fish and miss out on $560 billion in revenue. Small-scale fisheries, on the other hand, generate significantly more value due to their targeted fishing practices.
Researchers developed a novel inertial cell focusing and sorting microfluidic device with a wavy channel structure, achieving size-based separation of target cells. The device offers high-throughput, low-energy consumption, and simplified setup, making it suitable for practical biomedical applications.
Researchers monitoring natural rock arch vibrations found daily changes can predict potential collapse. The study uses resonance frequencies to forecast an arch's stability, with results suggesting no imminent failure.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that no single category of intervention was effective in reducing hospital readmission for children with asthma. However, multimodal interventions that combined multiple categories showed promise in reducing the risk of readmission between 30 days and one year after initial discharge.
Engineers at Caltech and ETH Zurich developed self-propelled robots that paddle through water using temperature-responsive materials. The devices use a bistable element and polymer strips to activate a switch and propel forward.
Researchers from Medical Research Council crack how first life on Earth replicated itself using a new type of genetic replication system. The system uses a triplet code to copy folded RNA, enabling the replication of ribozymes and supporting simple living systems.
A new UCI study finds that successful songs exhibit distinct behavior, with happier, more partylike tunes by women dominating the charts. The researchers analyzed over half a million songs and found an 85% accuracy rate in predicting hits.
A new study published in Urologic Oncology suggests that MRI fusion biopsy is a more effective method for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in patients with prior negative biopsies. The study analyzed data from over 700 patients and found that fusion biopsy detected 30.7% of clinically significant cancers, compared to 4....
Researchers found that conflicts with a spouse can exacerbate chronic pain and symptoms in individuals with osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes. Daily diaries revealed that those experiencing tension with their partner had worse moods, greater pain, and more severe symptoms.
Researchers at City, University of London found that colour processing cells in the brain are crucial for interpreting colours in natural images, and that transitions between colours do not significantly contribute to perceived colourfulness. The study's findings support the importance of individual colours in determining what we see.
A new study developed agility tests specifically for soccer players, which successfully discriminated between youth players of different ages. The tests measured reactive and pre-planned agility, with the under-19 group showing higher scores due to their longer involvement in soccer training.
The electronic Rothamsted Archive provides long-term series of data on yields, weather, and soil analyses, relevant for sustainable agriculture, agroecology, and food security. Users have access to supporting specialist background information and are fully supported by the curating team.
Researchers found that IgG antibodies play a key role in the severity of anaphylactic shock by activating blood platelets. Platelet activation may be behind the process, leading to a drop in body temperature and reduced circulating platelet count.
A new method for studying semiconductor nanoparticles has been developed using the magneto-optic effect, allowing for non-invasive analysis without altering the structure. The method was successfully tested on cadmium telluride nanoparticles and showed promising results.
Chimpanzees in the African savanna show significant physiological difficulty when temperatures are high and water is scarce, leading to dehydration and thermoregulatory stress. Despite these challenges, some chimpanzees have developed strategies to cope with food scarcity, such as relying on non-fruit foods like termites and bark.
Scientists successfully simulated FY-2D infrared cloud images using a high-resolution WRF regional numerical weather prediction model product and forward radiation transfer model RTTOV. The results show improved accuracy, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.5 in the first 24 hours.
Researchers found that patients with mutations in DNA repair genes like ATM and RB1 tend not to live as long as those without. These mutations can make tumor cells more susceptible to certain treatments, bringing potential hope for targeted therapies.
A new method has been developed to induce a sense of illusory ownership over an invisible body by focusing on the body action, allowing for communication in cyberspace and potential skill learning. The study found that only the hands and feet can induce a sense of ownership over the invisible body.
Researchers use LiDAR to locate invasive lake trout and identify spawning areas, offering a faster and more efficient way to manage the lake's ecosystem. The low-cost instrument can cover large areas of the lake, reducing labor costs and environmental impact.
The study reveals a stunning relation between ceremonial sites and cemeteries, underpinning complex Andean concepts of death and renewal. It was discovered that the site's features can be related to the surrounding landscape, highlighting the importance of Kipia as a local huaca.
Rutgers University researchers found that gun safety programs for children do not prevent them from handling firearms in real-world scenarios. The studies reviewed by the researchers showed that even children who initially followed rules after training did not use their safety skills weeks later when faced with a nonfunctional gun.
A team of researchers from Mayo Clinic identified a technology to address false positives in CT-based lung cancer screening, analyzing CT images and identifying disease characteristics. The findings show that a set of 57 variables can distinguish benign nodules from cancerous ones, reducing patient anxiety and unnecessary testing.
The American Gut Project has collected microbial data from over 11,000 people, revealing associations between diet, antibiotics use, and mental health on the human gut microbiome. The study found that participants who ate more plants had fewer antibiotic resistance genes in their gut microbiomes.
A study published in Nature Communications has found an unexpected overlap between the causes of rheumatoid arthritis and Huntington's disease. The researchers developed a novel algorithm to analyze epigenetic data, identifying new cell signaling pathways and potential treatment options for both conditions.
Inuit hunters in East Greenland report changes in their subsistence hunting patterns, polar bear ecology, and distribution due to climate change. They note more bears coming into towns, eating more seal parts, and using boats instead of dog sledges.
A global expert says China's massive infrastructure project will impact over 1,700 critical biodiversity areas and hundreds of threatened species. The researcher urges China to change its business model and prioritize sustainability.
A study by NYU Langone Health and the VA found that increasing numbers of veterans with non-aggressive prostate cancer are opting for watchful waiting or active surveillance. This shift towards more conservative treatment reflects a reversal in decades-long overtreatment, bringing care more in line with best practice guidelines.
A University of Washington study reveals that forest die-offs in specific regions of the US can influence plant growth in other parts of the country. The largest impacts were seen from losing forest cover in California, leading to slightly warmer Eastern US summers and harming plant growth.
Children with brain injuries face significant challenges transitioning to school, including educator lack of understanding and catching up on missed work. Leading researchers highlight the need for effective supports to improve academic achievement and reduce economic and social disadvantage.
A team of researchers proposes a hypothesis on how REM and non-REM sleep might help us solve problems. Non-REM sleep helps organize information into useful categories, while REM sleep enables the discovery of unexpected connections.
A study of scientific articles found that minority women face a disadvantage, but it is less than the sum of being black or Hispanic and being a woman. The probability of being last author increased over time for all groups, with black scientists and women facing slower progress.
A national analysis found treatment costs for drug-resistant MRSA infections are similar to those of susceptible MSSA infections. Researchers attribute the lower costs to factors such as price differences in drugs and possible misdiagnosis or coding errors.
The study estimated high mortality rates among civilians in Mosul, Iraq, with a rate of 2.09 deaths per 1,000 person-months during the 9 months of military liberation, compared to 0.71 and 0.50 deaths per 1,000 person-months during ISIS control periods for males and females, respectively.
Researchers at UCF develop new method for producing ammonia, a vital ingredient in fertilizers, using renewable energy and reducing high-energy barriers. The new approach, utilizing palladium hydride catalysts, may inspire other reactions for renewable energy conversion.
A large study of over 91,000 people found a strong association between disrupted body clock rhythms and an increased risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and poor wellbeing. Disruptions to normal daily circadian rhythms were linked to mood instability, loneliness, lower happiness, and worse cognitive function.
Researchers discovered that wasps produce distinct sounds by drumming their abdomens against different parts of the nest, signaling good food is nearby. This complex communication behavior is similar to that seen in ants, bees, termites, and other social insects.
A recent study found that chimpanzee beds have a greater diversity of microbes than human beds, but with fewer types of bacterial contamination. The research suggests that human attempts to create clean environments may make our surroundings less ideal.
A study by the University of South Florida found that prescription drug commercials increasingly emphasize lifestyle changes over medical information, leading to a rise in off-label use and misinformation. The researchers call for regulatory action to ensure pharmaceutical ads prioritize health awareness.
Researchers from Kazan University and Russian Academy of Sciences proved that graphene maintains the causality principle in its conductivity. The study found that graphene's real and imaginary parts satisfy Kramers-Kronig relations precisely.
Researchers discovered a protective protein activated by vitamin K is inactive and abundant in African-Americans on dialysis. High levels of the protein, matrix Gla protein (MGP), correlate with increased arterial stiffness and impaired endothelial function.
Microgap cooling technology aims to remove excessive heat from tightly packed electronics and devices, which are vulnerable to overheating in space. The test on the Blue Origin New Shepard launch vehicle will validate the system's performance under microgravity conditions.
A team of researchers from Kaunas University of Technology has developed a mathematical method for classifying breast tissue images using deep learning, achieving an accuracy rate of 85%. The goal is to partially automate the diagnosis process and improve accuracy.
A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that most insurance companies have not considered a changing climate in their practices. Insurers are failing to adjust premiums and coverage as extreme weather events increase in severity, frequency, and unpredictability.
Scientists from the University of Leeds developed a global index identifying peatland-fed water as a significant source of drinking water in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The study estimates that peatlands support the equivalent of 71.4 million people globally, with most of these areas being in the British Isles.
Researchers aim to identify genetic markers that can predict tumor response to radiation therapy, leading to more personalized treatment approaches. The goal is to improve treatment responses, reduce toxicity, and enhance quality of life for cancer survivors.
A national survey by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and UConn found that LGBTQ teenagers face high levels of stress, anxiety, and rejection. The study highlights the need for supportive families and inclusive schools to improve their well-being.
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment showed significant improvement with exergaming, which combines physical exercise with complex thinking and memory skills. Exergames may be an effective tool for slowing the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered a precise DNA sequence code that determines how transcription factors bind to specific regions in the genome. This finding sheds light on cell differentiation during embryonic development, offering potential insights into diseases caused by disrupted transcription factor function.
A University of Arizona-led team has discovered the full pathway for activating a protein kinase enzyme, revealing its dynamic movement is crucial for activation. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs that target kinases.
Researchers from Brazil's National Energy & Materials Research Center (CNPEM) have discovered a key enzyme that can boost the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse saccharification, a crucial step in producing second-generation ethanol. The enzyme, produced by microorganisms living in Lake Poraquê in the Amazon, shows high glucose tolerance ...
A study by Stephanie Borgland found that rats eating a 'cafeteria-diet' of high-fat and high-sugar foods developed brain changes in the orbitofrontal cortex, leading to increased motivation to eat despite satiety. Obesity was also observed, highlighting the complex mechanisms behind food attraction.
Researchers at Nyiragongo volcano use a combination of seismic, infrasound, and satellite data to track the lava lake level, providing insights into magmatic system activity. The study helps improve eruption forecasting by understanding the relationship between pressure changes in the magmatic system and lava lake fluctuations.
A team of scientists found four separate species of mice evolved from one common ancestor on Mindoro Island, which is the smallest known island to support this type of evolution. The discovery provides valuable insights into how mammals can diversify in small areas and has implications for conservation planning.
The new Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM is one of three national centers established by the National Institutes of Health to boost access to cryo-electron microscopy. This technology allows scientists to see individual atoms in a molecule or protein with striking clarity, revolutionizing structural biology research.
A national trial has found that measuring electrical activity in the brain can predict a patient's response to an antidepressant, improving treatment accuracy. Researchers believe combining EEGs with blood and brain tests will lead to more effective treatments for depressed patients.
Researchers at TU Vienna found that support materials can significantly impact chemical reactions on large palladium grains. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective automotive catalytic converters by reinforcing the weak point of the grain, where carbon monoxide poisoning starts.
A team led by Chen-Yu Liu from Indiana University developed an experiment to accurately measure neutron decay rates. The use of a 'magneto-gravitational trap' eliminates the risk of interference, allowing for highly precise measurements and new insights into the universe immediately after the Big Bang.
Scientists at FAU have found a strong connection between autoimmune thyroiditis and depression/anxiety disorders. Patients with AIT are 3.5 times more likely to suffer from depression, or 2.3 times more likely to suffer from anxiety. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a wireless flying robotic insect called RoboFly that can take independent flaps. The insect uses a laser beam to power its wings and is controlled by a microcontroller that mimics the fluttering of a real insect's wings.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia used satellite-tagged seals to collect data on water temperature and salinity in West Antarctica. The study found that warm, salty deep water is more common during winter months, suggesting increased ice sheet melting.
Researchers have identified nine distinct clusters of exhausted T cells, known as Tex, which vary in their expression patterns and could be used to assess a patient's immune health. These clusters may help tailor immune therapies for specific types of chronic diseases.
A national survey found an increase in US adults who have ever used e-cigarettes, with a decrease in reported current use between 2014 and 2016. Electronic cigarettes were marketed for smoking cessation and as an alternative to conventional cigarettes.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified volatile biomarkers that can detect malaria in people with no external symptoms. The study found that changes in human odours are characteristic of both acute and asymptomatic malaria infections, allowing for nearly 100% detection rate even at low pathogen quantities.
Using cresol, researchers can disperse carbon nanotubes at unprecedentedly high concentrations without additives or harsh chemical reactions. As the concentration increases, the material transitions into a kneadable dough that can be molded and shaped like playdough.
Researchers introduce 'quantum many-body scar' concept to explain unexpected periodic oscillations in interacting atoms. The phenomenon alters our understanding of possible dynamics in many-body quantum systems, providing a new perspective on equilibrium state.
A US survey found that four in ten transgender respondents suffered from depression, while one in ten tried to commit suicide. The study highlights the need for transgender-inclusive healthcare providers to address these challenges and improve mental and physical health outcomes.
A new study found per-capita end-of-life care costs have been declining since 2008, with significant contributions from reduced inpatient and physician expenditures. The decline contributed to moderation in growth of overall per-capita Medicare spending.
A recent study found that UK children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have insufficient vitamin D levels throughout the year, particularly during winter months. Genetic variations in the vitamin D metabolic pathway are also associated with increased liver fat and inflammation.
A new study found that essential fats in the diet regulate protein secretion in muscles by changing gene expression. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were shown to improve glucose levels and insulin tolerance in obese rats after 12 weeks on a supplemented diet.
The new Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM will provide state-of-the-art technology and training to researchers nationwide. The facility will enable scientists to see molecules in breathtaking detail, with resolution near atomic levels, revolutionizing the understanding of disease at the molecular level.
A randomized trial of 383 women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections found that taking ibuprofen instead of antibiotics prolonged symptom duration and increased the risk of serious complications. The study concludes that ibuprofen is not a safe alternative to antibiotics for treating uncomplicated UTIs.
The Big Bell Test project, which involved over 100,000 participants worldwide, confirmed the predictions of quantum physics by overcoming Bell's limit. This achievement demonstrated the power of global networks in cutting-edge scientific research and paved the way for secure communications that are impossible to intercept.
A new study identifies specific characteristics of Ebola retinal lesions, providing clues on how the virus travels to the retina and causes damage. Researchers found unique retinal scars in 15% of Ebola survivors with reported eye symptoms after recovery.
Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully demonstrated fully-controlled free-space quantum interference of single photons emitted by a pair of effectively-separated entangled atoms. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for building quantum computers and measuring physical properties with unprecedented precision.
Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have discovered how melatonin suppresses neurons in the brain that keep you awake and alert. This finding could lead to new therapies for insomnia by targeting the MT1 receptor.
A genomic approach has mapped antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea throughout Europe, enabling accurate determination of resistance and identification of incorrect laboratory test results. The study established an open genomic database, supporting real-time surveillance of gonorrhoea worldwide.
Researchers aim to create self-assessing robots that can predict, monitor, and judge their own performance. The goal is to enable robots to work more efficiently with human partners by identifying areas of improvement.