A study published in The BMJ found that Scotland's minimum unit pricing policy has reduced alcohol purchases and consumption by households. The policy has been successful in targeting heavier drinkers and lower-income groups, with price increases greatest among those buying the most alcohol.
Researchers have engineered protein crystals that can generate magnetic forces many times stronger than previously reported. By introducing these crystals into living cells, scientists can move the cells around with a magnet, offering potential applications in fields such as biotechnology and biomedical engineering.
Researchers developed a needle-free 'exosome' treatment that reduces wrinkles in UV-exposed mice, improving skin health and collagen production. The treatment uses a jet of air to deliver medications deep into the skin, providing a more youthful appearance.
Researchers visualize dynamic water transport in soil and roots using neutron tomography, gaining insights into efficient water use in crop cultivation. The technique enables faster imaging, overcoming previous limitations to study rapid processes.
A study published in Mucosal Immunology reveals that ASC and NLRP3 are key players in maintaining innate immune homeostasis in the airway, independent of caspase-1. This alternative mechanism may provide a new understanding of different possible mechanisms involved in airway protection against microbial infections.
A new online calculator helps middle-aged women predict their risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The tool accounts for multiple health conditions at once and identifies changing probabilities over time.
A new Stanford University study has found that a four-week combination therapy involving brief light flashes and cognitive behavioral therapy can increase teenagers' sleep duration by 43 minutes per night. The treatment helped teens adjust their body clocks and motivated them to try earlier bedtimes.
Marsh plants produce more stems that are noticeably smaller under high carbon dioxide, but adding nitrogen reverses this effect. This adaptation may help marshes absorb energy from storms and build soil, providing a defensive power against sea level rise.
Researchers at University of Missouri create 3D model showing how ligaments and joints in T. rex skull work, revealing it was stiffer than previously thought. This discovery could advance human and animal medicine by providing better models of joint interactions.
Researchers discovered a key signaling pathway in adult fly intestines that promotes intestinal regeneration after stress. This finding has potential applications for regenerative medicine, particularly in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer.
A multidisciplinary team at the University of Pittsburgh is developing novel research paradigms to address the complex challenge of global waste through circular economy design. The project aims to advance fundamental science behind circular economy solutions, including product design and life-cycle assessment.
A study published in Translational Psychiatry identified elemental signatures in baby teeth unique to ADHD, autism, and co-occurring conditions. The researchers found that each condition has a distinct metabolic signature involving essential and toxic elements.
A new prediction system significantly increased palliative care consultations for seriously ill patients by 74%, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. The Palliative Connect trigger system uses predictive analytics to identify patients in need of palliative care consultation, leading to earlier and more effective interventions.
The study analyzed Trump's tweets from 2009 to 2018, identifying four style variations: conversational, campaigning, advisory, and engaged. These stylistic patterns suggest underlying communication strategies used by Trump during the 2016 campaign, including appealing to different audiences, defending criticism, and attacking opponents.
A survey of European citizens found a majority (58%) hold positive attitudes towards homelessness, while 30% have negative views. Positive attitudes were more common among urban residents and those who support homeless individuals.
A new physics curriculum that teaches energy first shows promise in helping university students develop their calculus skills, particularly those with lower math abilities. Students who took the new curriculum performed better in subsequent engineering classes and on standardized physics conceptual tests.
Researchers discovered a 'wave of brain maturation' occurring in children from age 9-12, corresponding with increased social and academic demands. This neurological development is linked to improved impulse control, cognitive processing, and executive function.
Researchers discovered that certain soil microbes can make plants more resistant to an aggressive disease, such as bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The study found that rare taxa and pathogen-suppressing bacteria are associated with healthy plant microbiomes.
A study using UK Biobank data found a genetic link between psychotic experiences and neuropsychiatric disorders. The research suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to psychosis may also be at increased risk for other mental health conditions.
A new nanotechnology-based process uses magnetic particle imaging to monitor chemotherapy concentrations in real-time, allowing doctors to adjust doses precisely. This innovation has the potential to minimize side effects and improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
The BESTMAP project aims to develop a new flexible and interoperable framework to monitor EU policy impacts on natural, social, and cultural assets in rural areas. Computer models will help build an operational framework to analyze the adoption of agri-environmental schemes.
A nationwide study reveals that schools serving disadvantaged and minority children teach as much to their students as those serving more advantaged kids. The learning gap disappears when students return to school after summer break, suggesting that schools are neutral in addressing inequality.
Fruit-eating monkeys show a preference for low ethanol concentrations in fermenting fruit, suggesting that sweetness and carbohydrate content are more important than calorie content. The findings do not support the idea of human alcoholism originating from primates' preference for alcohol-containing overripe fruit.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reveals that nearly 40% of Americans report politics as a source of stress, with one in five experiencing lost sleep. The research also found that exposure to media promoting opposing views can drive individuals crazy and damage friendships.
Researchers have discovered a new species of ten-foot-long crocodile in New Guinea, separated from another by the island's mountain range. The species, Crocodylus halli, was named after Philip Hall, who first investigated the reptile's lineage.
A new compound derived from eushearilide has shown significant antibacterial properties against various disease-causing bacteria, including MRSA. This finding offers relief for immunocompromised people who are susceptible to life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections.
A urine test that measures specific proteins found in urine can detect early-stage pancreatic cancer with nearly 95% accuracy. The UroPanc clinical study aims to validate this biomarker in a clinical setting, with the potential to develop a standardized urine test for clinicians to use as a diagnostic aid.
A researcher at the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center has been awarded a five-year grant to study the long-term effects of vaping on human health. The study aims to examine the effects of vaping on respiratory function and determine if users become susceptible to other tobacco products.
The International Energy Agency argues that nuclear power can fill the gap in low-carbon electricity generation, but safety concerns and high costs are barriers. Nuclear reactors can generate energy with low greenhouse gas emissions like other low-carbon sources.
A new paper by FoodMinds explores the state of personalized wellness, posing questions about the science supporting this space and offering a look at its future. The firm anticipates drastic growth in the next 3-5 years, driven by AI-driven offerings and embeddables.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected scattered light rain from the remnants of Hurricane Kiko, which weakened to a remnant low-pressure area on September 24. The rainfall data is used by forecasters at NOAA's National Hurricane Center to improve forecasts.
A new satellite mission, SWOT, will enhance flood modeling globally, even in extensively studied regions. It will provide more accurate floodplain maps and predictions for areas affected by snowmelt, hurricanes, and ice jam breakup.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's developed the world's first three-organoid system, growing a connected set of mini human organs including liver, pancreas, and biliary ducts. The breakthrough allows for studying organ function in concert, reducing animal-based medication studies and accelerating precision medicine.
Children with asthma who also have depression and anxiety are more likely to visit the ER, with a rate of 28 visits per 100 child years compared to 16 for those without mental health diagnoses. This population may benefit from more intensive care coordination to improve medication compliance and symptom recognition.
Acting on ocean-focused emissions activities can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of changes in research, technology, and policy development could lead to a substantial reduction in global emissions by nearly 11 billion tons in 2050.
Three studies from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveal a strong association between short-term air pollution exposure and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders in children, with higher risks for disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research also found links to generalized anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy children.
A new study warns that up to 60% of current wheat-growing areas could experience severe and prolonged droughts by the end of the century due to climate change. This would have a significant impact on global food production and lead to increased food prices.
Jerry has been designated a post-tropical cyclone due to the lack of strong thunderstorms in recent satellite imagery. The post-tropical storm is expected to produce 1 inch or less of rainfall across Bermuda through tonight, with swells continuing to affect the island over the next few days.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a bouncing ball model to predict tractor overturns. The model aims to reduce the rate of overturned tractors, a leading cause of death for farmers worldwide.
Researchers observe anomalously large superconducting gap (~3.8 meV) in thin films of β-Bi2Pd, compared to bulk single crystals with a smaller gap. First-principle calculations suggest Dirac-fermion-mediated parity mixing may cause this enhancement.
Researchers found that people perceive truthfulness higher in claims following alphabetical order, even when source unknown. This can be exploited by companies to convince consumers of slogans or claims.
A study of adolescent and adult athletes found evidence of damage to the brain's protective barrier, without a reported concussion. The researchers detected leaks in the blood-brain barrier using advanced MRI protocol and biomarkers, suggesting that mild impact can still cause significant trauma.
New research reveals that coniferous forest aerosols no longer cool the climate as much, thanks to increased small airborne particles caused by human activities. The reduction of natural aerosols and increase of smaller particles diminish the cooling effect on the climate.
A new type of vaccine that can be stored at warmer temperatures has been developed for Chikungunya, a disease that causes crippling headache and joint pain. The vaccine candidate has shown exceptionally promising results in animal studies, setting the stage for a future vaccine to combat the disease.
Researchers found that big mammals have far more neutrophils in circulation than small species, a key defense against early immune responses to invaders like bacteria and parasites. Larger mammals may need more circulating neutrophils to overcome the advantage infectious agents have over them due to their size.
Researchers at the University of Alberta are developing a new treatment that could help almost half of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by restoring dystrophin protein production. The experimental cocktail of DNA-like molecules has shown dramatic regrowth of dystrophin, which acts as a support beam to keep muscles strong.
Only half of patients with sinus, throat, ear infections received recommended first-line antibiotics, a rate below industry standard. Retail clinics and emergency departments had higher rates, while urgent care centers lagged.
Gun owners report fewer phobias and victimization fears than non-gun owners, study by Florida State University researchers suggests. The study found exceptions for fears of animals and mugging, and implications for gun policy.
Researchers demonstrate a method of transferring the state of electrons, a crucial step towards creating effective quantum computers. This achievement brings scientists one step closer to unlocking the full potential of quantum computing.
Compound lenses developed by researchers are inspired by mosquito eyes, providing a wide field of view with rapid imaging capabilities. The new design has antifogging properties, similar to those found in mosquito eyes, making it suitable for applications in drones, robots and medical devices.
A team of researchers has reported a new manufacturing method, CAS printing, to produce curvy electronic devices such as smart contact lenses and hemispherical solar cells. The technique enables the efficient production of three-dimensional curvy structures with high accuracy.
A novel player trait model has been developed to evaluate individual gaming preferences, enabling the creation of tailored experiences. The five-trait model assesses social, aesthetic, challenge, goal, and narrative elements to provide personalized game recommendations.
Researchers analyzed 1,309 gamers' playing history over 29 months, finding that varying game difficulty based on players' engagement levels increases use by 4-8%. The study suggests introducing surprises like new maps or game modes to offset decreased player curiosity.
The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR) has been renewed for 5 years with a $22 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The ACSR provides annotated HIV malignancy specimens to qualified researchers, supporting research into HIV-associated cancers.
A University of Michigan study found that Medicaid expansion improved the health, work, and job search outcomes of low-income adults with behavioral health conditions. Those with these conditions showed significant gains in physical and mental health, as well as better job performance.
The genome comparison of almond and peach trees sheds light on their evolutionary history and the role of mobile genetic elements in diversification. The study found that transposons may have driven the differences between the two species, including variations in flavor and fruit quality.
Researchers at TU Dresden and Ulm University developed a new synthetic route to create crystalline 2D polymers with defined structures. The 2D polymers have promising properties for electronic components and systems, including superior charge transport and chemiresistivity.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a new therapy approach using virtual reality avatars to combat obesity. The avatars aim to provide a realistic body image, promoting acceptance and self-reflection in patients struggling with the condition.
A study of nearly 25,000 patients found that weight-loss surgery in Western Australia was associated with higher rates of outpatient and emergency department mental health services. The research suggests that patients who undergo bariatric surgery may experience increased mental health needs after the procedure.
A recent study by Robert Hofmann and colleagues discovered that Tripolye mega-structures served as public spaces for ritual, economic, and decision-making purposes. The researchers found a hierarchy of mega-structures based on their architecture and location, indicating sequential decision-making at various levels of society.