A new study by San Francisco State University Professor Ian Dunham finds that school savings accounts have lower savings rates in low-income neighborhoods with limited access to traditional banks and credit unions. These areas, dubbed 'financial deserts,' struggle with high fees from fringe financial services providers.
Researchers are developing technology to predict when a child will have an asthma attack and provide prevention and treatment suggestions. The system tracks geographical location, physical activity, air quality, and health data using smart phones, watches, and sensors.
Researchers developed an advanced method to detect low-level somatic mutations in intractable epilepsy with 100% accuracy, surpassing conventional sequencing analysis which stands at 30%. The study used deep sequencing replicates of major focal epilepsy genes and identified mutations in approximately 5% of patients.
A new paper highlights individual and systemic challenges faced by early-career female family physicians, including implicit bias, burnout, and unequal pay. The authors call for practical strategies such as training, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive leave policies to support female physicians and promote gender equity.
Researchers at Rutgers University highlight the need for individualized vitamin D guidelines, as optimal levels may vary across ethnic and racial groups. Current tests have limitations, and more standardization efforts are being made to improve accuracy.
Landos Biopharma has completed a $60 million Series B financing round to support global Phase 2 clinical trials of its lead product BT-11 for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The funding will also advance additional pipeline candidates, addressing an unmet clinical need for new therapies in inflammatory bowel disease.
Scientists have developed a theory on how the brain stores and recalls the order of events, shedding light on memory dysfunctions. This new understanding has significant implications for treating mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
A new study predicts that an additional dose of rotavirus vaccine at nine months old will provide a modest 5-16% reduction in RVGE incidence over the first three years. The study found that lower vaccine effectiveness during the second year of life is not necessarily due to waning immunity, but rather due to high rates of rotavirus tra...
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that amateur investors fail to diversify their portfolios, leading to increased financial risk. More experienced investors understand the importance of diversifying assets by including negatively correlated and uncorrelated assets.
A new study finds that female executives decrease the wage-gap for women at the top of a firm while widening it at the bottom. Female leadership also improves firm performance by boosting sales per worker when led by female CEOs.
Research reveals lavender oil exposure contributes to premature breast development in young girls and boys. Discontinuing use of lavender-containing products resolves the issue, suggesting essential oils mimic estrogen and block testosterone.
A study found that pay-for-performance programs can reduce access block but may also lead to discharges associated with return visits and admissions. The program's effectiveness depends on the inclusion of specific targets, such as admission time.
A study of 4,524 children found that those who didn't meet Canadian guidelines for sleep and recreational screen time were more likely to exhibit impulsive behavior. The research suggests that meeting these guidelines is associated with better decision-making and less impulsivity.
Researchers at UTEP are studying Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes life-threatening meningitis in AIDS patients. The team aims to understand the fungus's entry into the brain and develop therapeutics to block this process and stimulate immune cells.
Rutgers University-developed nanotechnology boosts stem cell transplantation research, enabling accurate characterization of human stem cell fates and biomarkers without destruction. This allows further analyses and biomedical applications, addressing a major hurdle in current cell-based therapies.
Researchers used AI to analyze wing patterns of Heliconius butterflies, confirming Müllerian mimicry theory and discovering new mechanisms of evolutionary novelty. The study found that species borrow features from each other, generating new patterns and increasing biological diversity.
Researchers developed a simple, high-throughput protocol to assess the maturation of hepatic-like cells (HPCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells. The protocol enables quick assessment of stem cell differentiation efficacy and helps optimize differentiation conditions for regenerative medicine.
A team of scientists has identified two genes, MS4A4A and TREM2, that influence the risk for both late-onset and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Variants in these genes affect the brain's immune cells, which may hold a new strategy to delay or protect against the disease.
Researchers used an optimized AAV9 vector to deliver the galactosylceramidase gene to a mouse model of Krabbe disease, improving clinical symptoms and prolonging median survival. The treated mice lived up to 150 days, compared to 41 days for untreated mice.
A new approach combines acyclovir with activated carbon particles to improve the effectiveness of a common herpes medication. The combination reduces viral load and inflammation while minimizing side effects like kidney damage.
A new study confirms that women with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for sleep disturbances during the menopause transition. The study found a significant association between diabetes and increased severity of sleep-related symptoms, particularly in Asian women.
Scientists at the Wyss Institute successfully manipulated four bacterial strains to exhibit beneficial interactions and balance in complex environments. By modifying their genomes, they encouraged the bacteria to adopt a live-and-let-live approach, promoting resilience and diversity within the consortia.
Researchers at the University of Kent studied magnetic monopoles and found that they can 'tunnel' through energy barriers, enabling their motion. This breakthrough could signal the development of new technologies based on moving magnetic monopoles instead of electric charges.
This observational study found that individuals with higher daytime and nighttime systolic blood pressure levels had an increased risk for cardiovascular events and death, independent of clinic-measured blood pressure. The findings suggest monitoring blood pressure outside the clinic during a 24-hour period may help identify African Am...
A recent study found that termite activity in wetlands improves soil structure and nutrient content. Termites help turn dead trees into valuable organic matter, increasing crucial soil carbon content.
Researchers at University of Turku investigate parasitoid wasp diversity in Kibale National Park, Uganda, finding that species abundance varies with weather and vegetation conditions. The study contributes to global understanding of parasitoid insect diversity and highlights the urgent need to protect tropical biodiversity.
A new study found that even low-intensity exercise was associated with a nearly 20% reduction in cancer progression or death in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Patients who engaged in moderate exercise while undergoing chemotherapy tended to have delayed disease progression and fewer severe side effects from treatment.
A recent study published in Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research has found that genetic factors significantly influence not only the number of moles but also their location on the body. In women, the largest genetic impact is seen on the lower limbs, with a higher concentration of moles in this area compared to men.
A new study provides the most accurate estimate of the frequency that planets similar to Earth occur around sun-like stars, which will be important for designing future astronomical missions. The researchers' novel approach allows them to account for several effects not included in previous studies.
A comprehensive study confirms that excessive gluten consumption increases the risk of developing coeliac disease or pre-coeliac disease in young children. The study found a significant association between daily gluten intake over 2 grams and a 75% increase in risk, even at small amounts.
The study analyzed DNA sequencing data from over 3,500 human microbiome samples, revealing nearly 46 million bacterial genes. More than half of these genes were unique to each individual, performing specialized functions and suggesting a key role in microbial evolution.
A new study from the University of Oxford suggests that blockbuster movies like Finding Nemo and Zootopia do not drive demand for live animals, but instead increase information-seeking behavior. The research found that exposure to these films can bring attention to lesser-known species and environmental threats.
A team of researchers at Oregon State University has developed a new method for studying tsunami risk to coastal infrastructure. The technique uses a centrifuge to simulate the effects of tsunami waves on soil, allowing for more accurate modeling and potential engineering solutions.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that synovial fluid from osteoarthritic patients can directly excite sensory nerves, producing pain. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of osteoarthritis and may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that increasing brain stiffness as we age causes brain stem cell dysfunction. They developed new materials to study this effect, showing that older stem cells can be rejuvenated into younger, healthier states.
Tropical Storm Krosa is expected to make landfall in western Shikoku Island, Japan, with powerful thunderstorms and heavy rain capabilities. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate strong storms with potential to generate heavy rainfall.
Researchers developed a mass-spectrometry-based approach to detect gluten proteins specific to rye, expanding detection capabilities beyond wheat and barley. The method identified six peptides that were consistently detected in all rye varieties, allowing for more accurate labeling of 'gluten-free' foods.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a nanoscale capsule that breaks through the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to reach and treat cancer that has spread to the central nervous system. In mouse studies, this capsule delivered cancer-fighting drugs effectively eliminating B-cell lymphoma tumors.
Researchers observe thousands of flashlight fish synchronizing their movement and facilitating schooling behavior in complete darkness. This study reveals a novel function for bioluminescence in the ocean, showing that fishes can school using only their natural light, without relying on ambient light.
A study analyzing NHS hospital data found Lyme disease patients in England and Wales are predominantly white and female, with peaks of new cases at certain ages. The findings may inform health promotion messages and highlight a poor understanding of recommended care pathways for symptoms related to Lyme disease.
Researchers have identified a combination of treatments that may be more powerful than current therapy alone for children with Ewing sarcoma. The new approach combines FAK inhibitors with aurora kinase B targets to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor progression.
Researchers found links between early-life manganese exposure and altered functional connectivity of brain areas supporting cognitive and motor control. This association was observed even before birth and during early childhood.
Researchers found that males with similar personalities are more likely to form strong social bonds and cooperate in critical situations. The study suggests that personality homophily provides an evolutionary advantage by facilitating communication and coordination among friends.
A recent ASU study reveals that a positive lab environment and enjoyable everyday tasks are key factors in maintaining undergraduate researchers. The study surveyed over 750 life sciences undergraduates and found that 50% of participants considered leaving their research experience due to inadequate support.
A randomized trial of 120 hospital patients found that virtual reality (VR) sessions significantly reduced severe pain scores compared to a relaxation program on TV. Patients who used VR reported higher satisfaction with the experience and no difference in opioid prescribing.
New research suggests that the risk of developing microcephaly due to Zika virus infection depends on the types of antibodies produced by pregnant mothers. Antibodies from mothers of babies with microcephaly are more effective at neutralizing the virus, but also show enhanced ability to boost viral entry into human cells.
Research found that high inequality reduces willingness to cooperate in groups, but some inequality can help ensure everyone contributes to the public good. The study suggests policy-makers should consider the optimal level of inequality when funding public goods and services.
The American Academy of Neurology has developed guidelines for preventing and treating migraine in children and teens. The guidelines recommend a detailed history and physical examination, education about migraine triggers, healthy lifestyle habits, and evidence-based treatments such as ibuprofen and triptans.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that a two-thirds increase in returning coho salmon to the Oregon coast would generate up to $518 million in annual non-market economic benefits. The study also found that people value conservation goals sooner rather than later, with up to $277 million in annual benefits.
The observational study found significant changes in age distribution between obesity-associated and nonobesity-associated cancer cases over the 16-year period. The analysis revealed notable sex and racial disparities, with certain populations experiencing a higher risk of developing obesity-associated cancers at younger ages.
A modified land-value tax would assess significantly higher rates on land than improvements, leading to more widespread economic equality. This structure would also incentivize development, as improving the land doesn't cost more under this type of taxation.
A new species of giant penguin, Crossvallia waiparensis, has been identified from fossils found in Waipara, North Canterbury. The discovery adds to the list of gigantic, but extinct, New Zealand fauna and reveals a close Antarctic relative.
Researchers found that societies with specialist cultures form densely connected networks, while generalist cultures result in sparser networks. Specialists have higher proficiencies due to learning from peers, but may be harmed by environmental changes.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that cool roofs could protect urbanites from heat waves, reducing air temperatures and bringing down heat wave exposures by 35 million each year. The study predicts that heat waves will become two to 10 times more frequent across California's cities by mid-century.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have mapped how electronegativity and electron configuration change under pressure, enabling quick predictions about element behavior. The study reveals new possibilities for suggesting experiments to improve understanding of elements.
A recent study revealed that Neanderthals had an exceptionally high frequency of external auditory exostoses, also known as 'swimmer's ear', in their remains. This suggests that they spent a significant amount of time collecting resources in aquatic settings.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new methods using data science to analyze the motion of single molecules. By leveraging Bayesian nonparametrics, they can efficiently detect and refine signals, reducing acquisition times and increasing the scope of biological research.
Krishnan Rajeshwar, a prominent chemistry professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to electrochemistry. He received the Electrochemical Society's 2019 Electrodeposition Research Award for his outstanding research in electrodeposition.
A three-site study in the Blue Marsh watershed found seasonal differences in microbial populations, with increases in warmer months and higher levels of nitrate and phosphate. The researchers used Biolog Ecoplates to test water samples, revealing changes in bacterial counts and chemical profiles linked to human activities.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who engage in regular physical activity and mental stimulation before surgery have a lower risk of developing postoperative delirium. Participants who were physically active six to seven days a week had a 73% lower chance of experiencing deliriu...