A new film, 'Voices from the Mine', sheds light on the human costs of artisanal diamond mining in Sierra Leone, where miners face poverty and hardship despite the industry's $250 million annual value. The film highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the diamond trade, particularly among consumers and policy makers.
Research by Imperial College London found that participating in Eurovision Song Contest may lead to a four percent increase in life satisfaction for every ten places improvement in final score. Conversely, doing poorly in the competition was associated with a greater increase in life satisfaction compared to not taking part at all.
A new study by Vanderbilt researchers found that infants treated with medication as outpatients had a shorter hospital stay but longer treatment duration compared to inpatients. This highlights the need for a coordinated approach to treatment plans throughout pregnancy and childhood.
A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that mitochondrial protein production regulates the well-being of cells via unknown communication links. As cells age, this communication collapses, leading to vital functions deteriorating or failing.
Researchers have devised a new diagnostic tool to measure the brightness and size of high-brightness beams at particle accelerators. The 'charge density monitor' can accurately measure micron-sized beams with femtosecond pulses, enabling precise measurements of fundamental physics in high-energy beam experiments.
A survey of over 200 oncologists reveals that most have discussed medical marijuana use with patients, but many lack knowledge on its effectiveness. The study highlights the need for clinical trials and education to inform cancer care.
A new study reveals that bigger female fish produce significantly more offspring than smaller ones, with a scaling pattern where larger mothers produce exponentially more eggs. This finding has implications for fisheries management and suggests that larger fish are crucial for replenishing marine populations.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin explains the link between breath-focused meditation and attention, revealing that regulated breathing can enhance cognitive function. The research shows that synchronising breathing patterns with attention levels can lead to improved focus and reduced mind wandering.
A deadly fungus, chytridiomycosis, affecting amphibian populations was traced to the Korean peninsula through genetic sequencing of 177 fungal samples. Human trade of amphibian species accelerated its global spread, with strains showing varying levels of virulence.
A study by University of Seville experts found that over-60s access online banking when they understand its usefulness and value social influence from younger family members. Banks can encourage acceptance by promoting online services through user-friendly designs, leaflets, and recommendations.
Neuroscientists have found that distinct memories of similar events are represented by synchronous neuron activity, not remapping. The study used mice to explore this concept and discovered that co-firing neurons control memory discrimination, not changes in place cell fields.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a specific serotonin receptor that enhances memory, with drugs targeting this receptor showing promise for boosting cognitive function. The study used optogenetics to demonstrate the role of serotonin in strengthening neural communication and improving spatial memory.
Acoustic cloaking technology has been developed by researchers at Penn State University, which uses metamaterials to bend sound waves around an object, making it appear invisible to underwater instruments. The team successfully tested their design using a 3-foot-tall pyramid structure in an underwater research tank.
A new universal formula for determining species is presented to address the issue of identifying distinct populations as separate or subspecies. The formula uses statistical tests to measure differences between non-co-occurring and co-occurring populations, providing a more objective approach to taxonomy.
A 34-million-year-old fossil discovery in Antarctica has provided significant insights into the evolution of baleen whales. The ancient whale, Llanocetus denticrenatus, had well-developed teeth and gums instead of baleen, suggesting a transition from biting to filter feeding occurred over time.
A new study from University at Buffalo finds a correlation between conservative Christian politics, same-sex marriage bans, and a rise in people identifying as religious 'none.' The research suggests that the public salience of the Christian right drives up the rate of nones.
Researchers at the Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials successfully measured and controlled the temperature of individual graphene bubbles using a single laser beam. The study found that the temperature oscillates with bubble height, allowing for efficient heating of specific regions within the bubble.
A free online course designed to change students' attitudes towards mathematics leads to significantly higher test scores. The study found that a growth mindset approach can increase students' engagement and achievement in math, contrary to previous discouraging results.
Researchers found changes in hippocampal neurons early after alpha-synuclein aggregates appear, suggesting potential therapeutic treatments to halt or reverse cognitive impairments. The study suggests defects in pre- and post-synaptic functions, indicating plasticity in the neurons.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a method to synthesize a novel polyester with an alternating arrangement of L- and D-lactic acids, leading to improved productivity and crystallization rate. This achievement is expected to facilitate the development of polyesters with unprecedented characteristics.
The Adversarial Threshold Neural Computer (ATNC) model, a proof-of-concept, combines Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) with Reinforcement Learning (RL) to generate novel small organic molecules. The GAN-RL architecture demonstrated the ability to produce valid and unique molecular structures, paving the way for future drug discovery.
Research by Children's Hospital Los Angeles reveals that gadolinium deposition in the brain is associated with brain tumors and radiation treatment, rather than the amount of contrast agent administered. The study's findings challenge previous assumptions about the dose-dependent nature of gadolinium deposition.
Researchers found a significant correlation between the diversity of gut microbes and arterial stiffness in middle-aged female twins. The study identified specific microbes linked to lower risk of arterial stiffening, which were previously associated with lower obesity risk.
A recent study of 148 women with lupus found obesity worsens disease activity, depressive symptoms, and pain and fatigue. Lifestyle interventions can reduce health risks and debilitating symptoms in overweight lupus patients.
The BIG Bell Test challenged Einstein's principle of local realism by using human input to close a paradox known as the freedom-of-choice loophole. Participants contributed over 90 million bits, determining how entangled atoms and particles were measured in twelve laboratories worldwide.
A randomized clinical trial found that students who received eyeglasses earlier in the school year outperformed those who got them later, leading to improved math scores. The study highlighted the importance of access to vision care services for children with poor vision in rural China.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine are working on printing 3D pig liver tissue for xenotransplantation research. The collaboration with Lung Biotechnology aims to accelerate the development of unlimited organs for life-saving transplants.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that bees' taste neurons fire intense signals for up to 10 seconds when they encounter a sweet substance. This prolonged activation allows the bee to remain feeding at the same sugar source, making it more efficient for the colony.
A study found that parents' depressive symptoms and parenting styles significantly predict the stability of children's best friendships. Positive parenting behaviors like warmth and affection did not alter the stability of these friendships. Most friendships were transitory, with fewer than 10% surviving from first grade to sixth grade.
A new analysis found that record-breaking ocean heat fueled Hurricane Harvey, with the Gulf's waters being warmer than any time on record. The hotter-than-normal conditions supercharged the storm, fueling it with vast stores of moisture, resulting in devastating flooding.
New research reveals that frequent workplace aggression can cause nurses to behave badly towards others, disregarding professional codes. The study found that anger and fear triggered by being targeted can lead to misconduct, while sadness is only associated with health symptoms.
Researchers found that jackdaws respond to unique calls from fellow colony members and non-colony birds, but not female strangers. The size of the mob is influenced by caller characteristics and sex, highlighting individual bird discrimination.
A recent study published in Nature found that the ventral midline thalamus (vMT) plays a crucial role in determining how animals respond to visual threats. The vMT sends information primarily to two brain areas, the basolateral amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex, which turn out to be critical in determining reactions.
Researchers used proteomics to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of Trichomonas vaginalis and Aspergillus fumigatus, identifying palmitoylation sites in T. vaginalis proteins that regulate infectivity and a strategy for A. fumigatus to evade macrophage destruction. This work suggests potential treatments for these infections.
A research study published at Purdue University identifies a small molecule SERCA activator that may improve memory and cognition, reducing cellular stress and preventing cell loss in neurons. The molecule corrects cells' calcium ion balance and represents a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration drug development.
A holistic, community-based approach to detection and case management improves disease prognoses in mycetoma patients. The study successfully trained over 300 care providers and implemented free treatment, reducing patient delay and dropout rates.
A study reports that approximately half of young children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) have received a liver transplant by age 10. Surgical biliary diversion was found to increase survival rates in children with mild or moderate PFIC2 mutations.
A new study reveals that disrupted insulin signalling in pain sensory neurons is the underlying cause of diabetes-induced pain in fruit flies. Increasing insulin signalling reverses pain hypersensitivity in these model flies, suggesting a potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy patients.
A new study on ancient leprosy DNA found diverse leprosy strains circulating in Medieval Europe, contradicting previous assumptions about the disease's origin. The research sequenced 10 medieval genomes, including the oldest to date from around 400 AD, revealing complex transmission dynamics.
Researchers found a specific mutation in the PARP1 protein that prevents PARP inhibitors from working, leading to resistance. Testing for this mutation could help personalize treatment decisions and predict resistance progression.
A new study reveals that oral antibiotics are associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones, particularly among children. The risk remains elevated several years after antibiotic use, highlighting the importance of reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
A team of University of Tsukuba-centered researchers discovered a novel biomarker, citrullinated ITIH4 protein, that is highly specific to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The levels of this protein decreased in correlation with the reduction of disease activity score after effective treatment.
A simple walking test, known as the 6-minute walk distance, can predict a patient's risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after heart surgery. The study found that patients with lower 6MWD distances were more likely to experience POCD.
Scientists use satellite radar imaging to pinpoint detonation site and yield of North Korea's latest nuclear test, which caused displacement and subsidence at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. The research provides a detailed view of the site, including the explosion's impact on the mountain above.
Researchers used YouTube videos to study dog bites, finding common breeds such as Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and Pit bulls. The studies found that the demographic characteristics of victims and dogs are consistent with previous research, and certain behaviors like tactile contact and leaning over a dog precede bites.
A new study found that hostile teachers can lower students' test scores by up to 5% due to antagonistic behavior. Students who faced teacher hostility were also less motivated to learn and more likely to disengage from future courses.
A deadly fungus responsible for devastating amphibian populations worldwide may have originated in East Asia, new research suggests. The study analyzed genetic data from over 234 samples and found that four main genetic lineages of the fungus, including one native to Korea, contained high levels of genetic diversity.
Scientists investigate vibration energy of a single molecule on a surface, measuring the current generated by applying voltage between a probe tip and the surface. The study uses a classical model to reproduce experimental results, shedding light on interaction between molecules and surfaces.
Researchers have proposed a non-contact method to assess internal stress in composite materials, allowing for early detection of damage and improving operational safety. The new technology uses amorphous soft magnetic circuits to detect stress without physical contact.
A team of scientists successfully measures the average neutron lifetime using an asymmetric magneto-gravitational trap and in situ detection. This breakthrough overcomes decades-long uncertainties, providing valuable insights into fundamental parameters in particle physics.
Researchers at Allina Health examined pain treatment outcomes of integrative medicine in hospitalized patients and found significant cost savings associated with pain reductions. The study, published in JACM, suggests that integrative interventions can lead to a decrease in hospital costs by up to $1,000 per admission.
Researchers have created a near-atomic-resolution model of tau-microtubule interactions, revealing how tau stabilizes microtubules and forms aggregates that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that HIV uses alternative splicing to tune random noise, dictating its fate and function. This inefficient process could be targeted to create novel HIV cure strategies.
In a study on red flour beetles, researchers found that males were more likely to mate with other males when there was less pressure to find a female mate. In contrast, in populations with high female bias, male beetles lost their ability to discriminate between male and female mates.
Researchers at Salk Institute report a potential new approach for treating diabetes by protecting beta cells with vitamin D. The study identified a compound that enhances the activation of the vitamin D receptor, leading to improved survival of beta cells and normal glucose levels in mice.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified depleted metabolic enzymes as a key factor promoting tumor growth in kidney cancer. The study found that these enzymes are universally depleted in ccRCC tumors, which could lead to new treatment options for patients.
Researchers developed a computational way of analyzing X-ray images of lungs to assess Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other lung diseases. The new method uses topology, combining CT scans, high-performance computing, and algorithms to identify lung function characteristics.
Researchers found a significant association between oral antibiotic use and an increased risk of developing kidney stones in children and adults. The study suggests that disruptions in the intestinal and urinary microbiome may contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones.
Researchers at Duke University and Zhejiang Wanli University identified a key gene called Kdm6b that affects how genes are expressed in turtles, determining their sex. The study found that cooler egg incubation temperatures activate the Kdm6b gene, leading to testes development and producing males.
A new study found that men with less education are more likely to change their surname, while better-educated men prefer to keep theirs. The research suggests that societal expectations around gender roles may contribute to this trend.