Research suggests marijuana users are more likely to maintain a healthy weight compared to those who don't use cannabis. The study of over 33,000 participants found that persistent users were less likely to be overweight or obese.
Researchers have discovered a unique subset of cells in the developing urethra that send important signals defining how the urethra is formed. This discovery aims to standardize the characterization of hypospadias and improve treatment outcomes for affected children.
A short video describing lung cancer screening benefits and risks, combined with an informational brochure, increased patients' knowledge and reduced conflicted feelings about the scan. Participants who watched the video as well as read the booklet were more certain of their decision to undergo the scan.
Researchers employed neutron-imaging techniques to track lithiation and delithiation processes in lithium-ion batteries' materials and structures. The study aimed to understand how lithium moves through electrode materials, essential for designing faster-charging batteries.
Two studies investigate perceptual decision making in rats and humans, showing that the brain compares incoming sensory evidence to express a decision as soon as it reaches a fixed boundary. The findings support the 'bounded integration' model, which explains how the nervous system accumulates information over time.
A study by Kaiser Permanente found that patients with fluctuating opioid doses were 3 times more likely to experience an overdose compared to those with stable doses. Discontinuing long-term opioid therapy for 3 or more months significantly reduced the risk of overdose.
A Dartmouth-led study published in JAMA Network Open found that quitting smoking during pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm birth. The probability of preterm birth decreased by up to 20% if cessation occurred at the beginning of pregnancy. However, only about 25% of women who smoked prior to pregnancy were able to quit throughout the...
Researchers have discovered that Araguaian river dolphins use hundreds of different sounds to communicate with each other, including short calls for mother-child interaction and longer whistles for maintaining distance. The unique acoustic characteristics of these sounds may have evolved to avoid echoes in their aquatic habitat.
A study of over 25 million pregnant women found that quitting smoking during pregnancy significantly lowers the risk of preterm birth. The research also revealed that smoking cessation rates at the start and during pregnancy have increased in recent years.
Physicists at the University of Zurich have created a device that can cool objects to below room temperature without external power supply. The process involves oscillating heat currents and temporarily flows from cold to warm objects, increasing entropy over time.
A study found that pharmacy closures are associated with declines in cardiovascular medication adherence among adults 50 or older. The analysis of prescription claims revealed a significant decrease in adherence to statins, β-blockers, and oral anticoagulants following pharmacy closure.
Research published in Deviant Behavior found that the dark web is a hub for anonymous handgun sales, with 64% of products advertised being handguns. The study sheds light on a niche market where buyers can circumvent stricter gun laws, highlighting the need for further investigations and potential regulation.
The University of Ljubljana won the $2,500 first-place prize, while Georgia Tech took second place with a $1,500 award. The competition encouraged students to design and build radio-controlled aircraft while carrying a payload and landing without damage.
Public health researchers suggest adjustments to Medicare rules to accommodate frequent hemodialysis treatment, which has shown mixed results. The proposed changes aim to give nephrologists greater clarity on payment for dialysis care, enabling them to identify better treatment options.
Researchers discover GUN1 plays a crucial role in regulating chloroplast-to-nucleus communication, enabling plants to respond to stress. This finding may help breed plants that can better withstand environmental stressors and maintain food production.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that people who skip breakfast and eat dinner near bedtime have a four to five times higher likelihood of death, another heart attack, or angina within 30 days after hospital discharge for heart attack. Late-night dinner eating was also associated with poorer outc...
Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Galapagos giant tortoises over multiple years using GPS technology. The study found that these tortoises do not adjust their migration timing based on current environmental conditions such as fog, rain, and temperature, unlike many other migratory species.
A research group has identified the gene responsible for the formation of nanopores in fruit flies, allowing them to detect chemicals in the air. The gore-tex gene plays a crucial role in envelope curvature and odor receptivity, essential functions for insects.
A new system of measurement called CSAS aims to comprehensively assess community sustainability by addressing three pillars: economic vitality, environmental quality and social equity. The researchers propose a multi-level approach to measure sustainability, starting from neighborhoods and moving up to regions and greater levels.
Researchers identified specific strains of Staphylococcus aureus associated with non-healing wounds, while another microbe Alcaligenes faecalis was linked to quicker healing. The study suggests monitoring wound microbes could help doctors develop new treatment strategies for impaired wound healing.
A 30-person study found that the brain implements mathematically optimal principles for perception in a 'middle ground' between opposing literature. The results suggest that human perception is based on imprecise sensory inputs, but still follows optimal strategies.
Researchers at Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory created a technique to break the acoustic diffraction limit in PACT by localizing single dyed droplets flowing in blood vessels, achieving six-fold finer resolution. The droplets provide excellent tracers for super-resolution imaging and enable tracking of blood flow speed.
Researchers found that chatbots with human-like features but low interactivity disappointed people, while those with high interactivity were better received. Improving interactivity without adding human-like cues can also lead to a more positive user experience.
A recent commentary warns of a preventable global resurgence of measles due to declining vaccination rates. Measles is an extremely contagious illness that can cause severe complications and death in vulnerable populations. Without renewed focus on measles vaccination efforts, the disease may rebound in full force.
A new VR game, Butterfly World, aims to engage players in simulated exploration and education about relationships between butterflies, plants, and invasive species. The game fosters empathy for insect and ecosystem conservation, cultivating knowledge and reawakening latent curiosity.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that key cell-killing proteins can block certain bacterial infections like Listeria without harming the host cells. The RIPK3 and MLKL proteins recognize the bacteria's chemical composition and bind to it, preventing its spread while keeping the host cells alive.
Researchers at Ohio University have discovered a new species of meat-eating mammal larger than any big cat. The 22-million-year-old fossils belong to the extinct hyaenodont group and provide a window into a bygone era.
Researchers at KIT have discovered needle-shaped structures in positively charged plasma channels, which may explain why lightning does not always discharge at once. The discovery was made using high-resolution data from the LOFAR radio telescope.
Researchers investigated surface deformation caused by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake using field investigations, geologic data, seismic reflection profiles, and earthquake relocation results. The study suggests the Pishan earthquake is a folding event that occurred in the upper crust.
Research by the University of Saskatchewan found that fish release 'disturbance cues' to signal nearby dangers like predators. This voluntary chemical release can trigger a 'fright response' in fish, promoting defensive behavior.
A team of researchers has observed chirality in polar skyrmions for the first time in a material with reversible electrical properties. The discovery could lead to applications like more powerful data storage devices that continue to hold information even after being powered off.
Children with chronic constipation exhibit heightened sensory sensitivity, particularly in oral processing, leading to feeding problems and avoidance behaviors. This association could transform clinical practice by incorporating sensory considerations into treatment plans.
Engineers at Duke University create a smart robotic system that uses physics-based models and path planning algorithms to locate gaseous leaks in complex environments. The system can handle multiple sources and measure contamination rates, offering a more robust approach than existing heuristic methods.
Researchers at the Field Museum used UV light to reveal differences in millipede genitals, enabling them to identify eight separate species, four fewer than previously recognized. The discovery has implications for environmental monitoring and understanding climate change.
Researchers at Osaka University have measured cellulose's intrinsic birefringence with unprecedented precision, paving the way for sharper TV, computer, and smartphone screens. The team envisions using cellulose nanofiber films as light compensation materials for liquid crystal displays.
Researchers found that IPOs lead to an increase in home prices and consumer spending in surrounding areas, with each $10 million in proceeds generating 0.7 new businesses and 41 new local jobs. However, IPO activity can also lead to gentrification and price out middle-to-lower-income residents.
Scientists at Lancaster University discovered that a late-acting T-helper 17 response helps eliminate Trichinella spiralis, a round worm and causative agent of Trichinosis. This response increases intestinal contraction and restoring IL-17 levels rescues mice's ability to expel the parasite.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Center discovered aberrant RNA processing in ALS and FTD patients, led by Dr. Rita Sattler's team finding ADAR2 mislocalization affects disease pathways, potentially leading to neuronal loss and neurodegeneration.
A team of scientists at MIT developed a neural network that can read scientific papers and generate a plain-English summary. The system, called RUM, uses vectors rotating in multidimensional space to represent words and improve memory and recall capabilities.
University of Illinois engineers found that adding salt to water triggers a multistep assembly process, allowing for complex architectures and reconfigurable materials. This discovery may enable the development of new technologies such as solar cells and catalysis.
A new experimental compound inhibits clot formation without raising the risk of bleeding, providing an effective and safer alternative to current therapies. The study found that the drug is well-tolerated at high doses and has a rapid, specific, and reversible action on platelets.
Researchers at Tohoku University and Université Grenoble Alpes have demonstrated triplet superconductivity in the uranium-based material UBe13 using high pressure and magnetic fields. This phenomenon involves electrons forming parallel spin pairs, unlike conventional superconductors where opposite spins pair together.
Researchers discovered a key clue into pancreas development by studying rare patients born without a pancreas. A previously unexpected pathway was identified, confirming its role in human and mouse pancreas formation.
Researchers estimated that bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics resulted in a 20% higher death rate and an additional €1100 hospital stay cost. Infections accounted for 12% of all hospitalizations, with the majority caused by E.coli, MRSA, and P.areuginosa.
Researchers evaluated four state-of-the-art tools for recognizing names in text and found solutions to boost accuracy from 7% to 90%. They also extracted social networks from novels to explore differences in story structure. The study highlights the challenges faced by NLP tools in handling names in popular fiction.
According to a Concordia study, high-performing corporations are more likely to disclose hard information about their environmental practices, building trust with stakeholders. This transparency pays dividends in the long run, leading to increased public goodwill and market value.
Researchers tested spore-forming bacteria on antimicrobial paint surfaces and found that most died, but a few strains, like Bacillus timonensis, survived. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these paints and potential risks to human health.
A study by EPFL researchers found that the KRAB domain-containing zinc finger protein Zfp30 initially repressed a retrotransposon, but later evolved to activate genes involved in fat-cell formation instead, surprising scientists
Research from Florida State University finds that pregnant women are more likely to feel 'pushed out' of their workplaces, leading them to opt-out. The study confirms inherent biases against expectant mothers and highlights the need for employers to provide equal career support to both men and women with children.
Researchers found that exercising in the morning resulted in higher utilization of carbohydrates and ketone bodies, as well as the breakdown of fats and amino acids. The study suggests that timing of exercise is a critical factor for metabolic benefits, contradicting previous assumptions that focused on food intake timing.
Scientists at Duke University discovered that general anesthesia works by hijacking the neural circuitry responsible for sleep and hormone regulation. The study found that certain anesthetic drugs activate a cluster of cells at the base of the brain, leading to unconsciousness and offering potential new avenues for developing pain-free...
Researchers have identified genetic variants in the MC4R gene that increase the activity of the brain receptor, providing protection against obesity and its complications. These variants may be used as models for developing new, safer weight loss therapies.
A team of researchers analyzed the DNA of nine 13th-century Crusaders, revealing a genetically diverse group that intermixed with local populations. The findings provide insights into the history of the Crusades and highlight the importance of ancient DNA in understanding historical events.
Researchers have developed a system that allows living cells to perform analog-to-digital signal processing, enabling precise control over cellular responses. This breakthrough expands the toolkit for synthetic biologists, who can now use genetic circuitry to process complex signals and make informed decisions.
Engineers used network science to map atomic forces onto a complex graph, simulating macroscopic material behavior. The method simplifies the graph, allowing researchers to replicate the process with other materials.
A new study found that a maternal vaccine can effectively protect against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in mouse offspring, transferring infection-fighting antibodies to their nervous system. The vaccine has shown promise in preclinical animal models and phase 1 human trials, offering new hope for preventing neonatal herpes infections.
A team of scientists at the Gladstone Institutes has developed a reliable method to identify potential off-target effects in therapeutically relevant cell types. The DISCOVER-Seq technique uses DNA repair factors to pinpoint exact sites where CRISPR cuts occur, enabling more accurate genome editing.
Researchers developed an effective harmonization method to reduce site-related differences in resting-state fMRI data, reducing bias by 29% and improving signal-to-noise ratios by 40%. This allows for the development of practical brain-circuit-based biomarkers of psychiatric disorders regardless of imaging site.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that hepatitis B viral protein HBeAg expands immune cells called MDSCs, impairing antiviral responses. The HBeAg-MDSC-IDO axis is a potential target for developing novel HBV therapeutics.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a compact radar with short wavelengths to enhance close-range detection capabilities. The device is capable of target detection, speed estimation, and tracking at ranges of up to 12 meters, making it suitable for visually impaired people and unmanned devices.