The NIH has increased investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $400 million, supporting more than 200 new awards for cutting-edge brain research. These projects aim to develop new tools and knowledge to discover answers for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Research suggests that the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion helped low-income families access more comprehensive care, leading to a significant drop in emergency department visits by uninsured patients in Illinois. The study found a 40% reduction in uncompensated care in emergency departments between 2009 and 2015.
Researchers analyzed data from 6,400 patients with heart attacks to compare characteristics and survival rates by race. The study found no differences in survival rates between black and white patients with similar characteristics.
A survey found that nearly three-quarters of parents keep leftover antibiotics and give them to others, including siblings and unrelated adults. The practice, called prescription diversion, increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Ubadah Sabbagh, a Roanoke-based Virginia Tech graduate student, has been selected as a Society for Neuroscience fellow. He will receive funding to attend conferences and be paired with senior mentors through the two-year training initiative.
Scientists discovered Trissolcus japonicus, a parasitoid wasp, in European apple orchards, which could help control the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. The wasp was found to be highly effective in reducing stink bug densities below economic thresholds.
A study found racial and ethnic differences in emergency pain relief for children with long bone fractures, with minority children more likely to receive pain medication but less likely to receive opioid analgesia. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of consistent pain management for all pediatric patients.
A study at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that children's TV shows often portray academics in a negative light, with teachers being shown as mean and students being stereotyped as nerdy or socially-awkward. As recommended viewing age increased, overall portrayal of academics became more negative.
The Tsimane's high-carbohydrate and protein-rich diet with low fat intake is associated with low cardiovascular disease risk. Despite the lack of dietary diversity, their daily food intake provides a balanced nutrient profile, highlighting the importance of adopting similar eating habits to mitigate the effects of Western diets.
A new study suggests that childhood obesity may affect a child's immediate well-being, including development of positive psychosocial and coping skills. Only 28.9% of parents with obese children reported all five flourishing markers compared to 38% for overweight and 40.5% for normal weight children.
A recent study published by Kew scientists reveals that 36% of 'critically endangered' plant species produce recalcitrant seeds, making seed banking an ineffective conservation method. This means alternative techniques like cryopreservation are necessary to safeguard the world's most threatened species and iconic tree species.
A new study published at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that young athletes with good sleep quality after a sport-related concussion recover quicker, with symptoms resolving within two weeks. Those with poor sleep quality often take longer to recover, sometimes greater than 30 days.
Researchers discovered a gene, SRG1, that boosts plant defense against bacterial and viral infections. Higher levels of defence proteins enabled more resistant crops, with potential applications in reducing crop losses worldwide.
The Water Scarcity Atlas provides an interactive map visualizing water scarcity around the globe, highlighting its evolution over the past century. The tool enables users to explore how their daily choices, such as diet and food waste, affect water resources worldwide.
Scientists have discovered that DNA damage and repair processes can generate sequence periodicity in the genomes of eukaryotes, favouring a certain composition with a periodic nature. This explanation offers an alternative to natural selection, which has been accepted by the scientific community to date.
A Stanford study found that lax state gun laws are associated with higher rates of firearm-related fatalities among children and teenagers. States with stricter gun control legislation have lower rates of firearm-related suicides among youth.
A Kanazawa University-led team has created a method to extract rare earth elements from spent phosphors in fluorescent lamps using chelator chemistry and mechano-chemical energy. The process results in recoveries of 53% to 84% of the metals, offering a sustainable solution for technology
Researchers identified 14 genetic variants associated with fat storage patterns and their impact on metabolic risk. These genetic factors tend to protect against diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension when stored under the skin, rather than in organs like the liver.
A new study found that cultural differences play a significant role in how young people cope with natural disasters. The research used a new method to assess coping among disaster-affected youths and found that middle-class teen girls in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, used different coping strategies than low-income, predominantly Afri...
Researchers have developed an image-processing technique to study comet tails, revealing the unexpected impact of solar winds on dust particles. The findings suggest that the solar wind can disperse dust in McNaught's tail, leading to a better understanding of cometary behavior and its connection to asteroid and planet formation.
Varying nanotwin spacing produces dramatic improvements in metal strength and work hardening rates. Researchers created composites with different nanotwin boundary spacings, resulting in stronger materials than their constituent components.
Research suggests that physical activity levels should be considered a vital sign to monitor children's overall health. The study found that most US children do not meet the recommended daily exercise guidelines, with only 5.2% meeting the standards.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that microwavable instant soups and noodles are responsible for over 9,500 scald burns in children between 4-12 years old annually. The most common age group affected is 7-year-olds, with the torso being the most frequently injured area.
Research at the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children can lead to increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as headache, depression, and mental or intellectual disorders. The study analyzed data from over 1260 children with TBI and found that 39% d...
Donnelly Centre researchers have identified a genetic network linked to autism, revealing a mechanism underlying alternative splicing events. The study reveals that microexons, small protein-coding gene segments, are disrupted in autism and could be targeted for therapeutic applications.
Researchers have developed a method to convert alcohols into reactive carbon radicals, enabling the direct formation of C-C bonds. This approach allows the use of ubiquitous alcohols without complex pre-transformation steps.
A new study at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that protagonists in superhero films engage in more violent acts than their villainous counterparts. The research analyzed 10 films and classified characters as either hero or villain, with protagonists averaging 23 violent acts per hour compared to 18 for villains.
A culturally tailored multilevel strategy increased HPV vaccination rates among low-income, mostly Chinese American adolescent girls and boys. The intervention, which engaged pediatricians, parents, and adolescents through various channels, showed a significant increase in vaccine uptake compared to control groups.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen create technique to observe and measure fetal heart rhythms without direct electrode placement. The method uses a cloud of caesium atoms to detect small magnetic fields, mimicking the effect of placing an instrument on a pregnant woman's belly.
Researchers in Belgium have identified an additional inoculation source for lambic beer production, the wooden casks or foeders. The microbial compositions of these surfaces differed statistically based on barrel cleaning procedures and type, reflecting different characteristics of lambic barrels.
A UC Riverside-led study deciphers the key elements for assembling large viruses, which may aid in interrupting their formation and containing viral diseases. The research uses continuum elasticity theory to explain how protein subunits arrange themselves into stable icosahedral structures with precision and symmetry.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are part of a national effort to understand the neural circuits behind learning, memory, and behavior. Four scientists have received grants to study topics ranging from mental health to opioid addiction.
A breakthrough study has identified a key protein that controls starch content in algae, allowing for increased production of biofuels and sustainable materials. The discovery could accelerate the development of environmentally friendly products and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
A recent study found that African-American caregivers experience better mental health outcomes than their white peers, likely due to stronger social support networks. The study's authors suggest that adequate preparation for the caregiving role and access to religious communities are key factors in reducing caregiver burden.
Researchers found that grandparents raising grandchildren face similar challenges to biological parents but report no difference in coping mechanisms. Grandparents are more likely to experience physical and mental health problems, lower education levels, and single status, while grandchildren may exhibit behavioral issues.
Researchers at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute found that specific brain signaling promotes heart disease by altering bone marrow stem cells, leading to atherosclerosis. The study highlights the importance of managing stress, anxiety, and pain in controlling this form of hypertension.
A study published in Science identifies Parthanatos as a key driver of nerve cell degradation in Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that blocking a protein called PARP1 can rescue cells from death, suggesting new targets for drugs to interrupt the disease progression.
A recent measles case highlights the importance of herd immunity in safeguarding those with compromised immune systems. Despite being fully vaccinated as a child, a Swiss man undergoing leukemia treatment died from severe measles complications.
A Yale-led study finds that fragmentation weakens impact of fungal pathogens and insect herbivores, enabling some tree species to thrive near edges. Researchers tested the effect of natural enemies on seedling diversity in fragmented forests, finding that suppression of these enemies led to biodiversity decline.
Researchers from GFZ found micro-earthquakes prior to a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in June 2016, south of Istanbul. The study suggests that analyzing these small events could extend warning times for future earthquakes in the region.
Researchers identified luciferin in a non-luminescent Brazilian cave worm larva, sparking interest in its potential biochemical functions. The discovery is the first of its kind in the Neotropics and opens up new avenues for research on the molecule's applications in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers found that barn swallow subspecies evolved independently of humans but in sync with human expansion and settlement, suggesting a significant link between the two species. The study suggests a 'founder event' where swallows rapidly expanded into new environments alongside humans.
Patients with newly diagnosed kidney failure may experience delays in accessing preferred dialysis methods due to lack of insurance coverage. Uninsured patients were less likely to use arteriovenous fistulas or grafts and had a higher risk of dialysis-related infections compared to those with Medicare or Medicaid.
Researchers found elevated levels of microRNA biomarkers indicating concussions before the season started in college football players. Cognitive tests showed those with balance and memory issues had higher biomarker levels, suggesting past head injuries persisting over time.
Researchers developed a genetic probe to identify DNA of alewife and blueback herring, finding that eDNA abundance data corresponded well with traditional field methods. The study created a map of where river herring are spawning across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Researchers have developed a novel testing system using zebrafish larvae to filter out substances with unwanted side effects. They found over 500 substances that modulated appetite, with most having specific effects without interfering with known systems.
Scientists are using a QUT-developed robot, transformed into LarvalBot, to deliver baby coral larvae onto targeted reefs as part of coral restoration efforts. The technique, known as larval restoration, has the potential to revolutionize coral restoration on reefs worldwide.
Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory have created a topological quantum light source that can guide light around its edge, shielding it from disruptions. This breakthrough has the potential to enable more secure communications and enhanced sensing capabilities for soldiers.
Researchers identified potential cancer drugs that disrupt normal chromosome division in cancer cells and induce errors when dividing DNA, posing double trouble for tumor growth. This new approach could inform the development of more effective therapies targeting various types of cancers.
A recent study of native wild bees in Mexico's tropical dry forest found that preserved vegetation areas support significantly greater bee richness and diversity. Urbanization and agriculture lead to major shifts in species composition, threatening local extinctions.
A recent study has identified unique immune genes in the Pocillopora damicornis coral species, which may help explain its ability to survive environmental stressors. The research found that this coral species has a more robust immune system than previously thought, with many diverse immunity genes.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people infer a wide range of personality traits from physical body features. Heavier bodies were associated with negative traits, while lighter bodies had more positive traits. The researchers developed 140 realistic body models to analyze these associations.
The NASA Astrobiology Program has awarded a $7 million grant to the Oceans Across Space and Time (OAST) alliance to search for life in present and past oceans on Mars, Jupiter's moon Europa, and Saturn's moon Enceladus. The team aims to develop technologies that can detect signs of life in various environments.
A national poll found that nearly half of women over 50 experience urinary incontinence, but many don't discuss it with their doctors. The poll also revealed common triggers and coping strategies, emphasizing the need for physicians to ask about incontinence issues in older female patients.
Researchers developed an antisense oligonucleotide therapy to halt or reverse SCA7-induced vision loss. Studies in mice and humans show promise for treating the rare condition with fewer side effects than existing medications.
Researchers found benznidazole improves clinical and parasitological outcomes in Chagas patients treated early, lowering mortality rates and parasite counts. This study provides evidence for using benznidazole to treat early-stage Chagas disease.
A Drexel University-led research project aims to study the health and behavioral effects of medical marijuana use for young adults in Los Angeles. The study, which has been renewed for five years, will track how the state's changing cannabis laws impact public health.
New research found that accessing high-status social contacts can have a negative impact on health, particularly in societies with high economic inequality. In the US and China, being connected to higher-status individuals led to more health disruptions, unlike in Taiwan where low inequality led to healthier outcomes.
KAUST researchers develop efficient method for collective estimation of brain signal spectral densities, enabling detection of correlations among brain regions. The approach uses clustering to reduce data dimensionality and visualizes similarity among time series.
Researchers found that sheep grazing had a significant impact on the biomass of heath communities, but not on meadow or shrub landscapes. The study suggests that heath is the most attractive pastureland for sheep, leading to increased growth and nutrient input through defecation.