A new study suggests that immersive virtual reality can increase the acceptance of flu vaccinations among adults aged 18-49. The research found that participants who experienced a five-minute virtual reality simulation showed increased concern about transmitting flu to others and were more confident in the effectiveness of vaccination.
A new study finds that married couples with multiple chronic conditions experience rising depression symptoms, with husbands faring worse when their conditions differ from their wives. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these dynamics to maintain mental and physical health.
A new study suggests that standardizing lab test turnaround times could improve patient care by reducing unnecessary STAT orders and increasing efficiency through automation. By cutting usual STAT time in half for most tests, facilities can reduce demand and provide faster results for critical tests.
Researchers have successfully reproduced electrical properties of biological neurons onto semiconductor chips, enabling medical devices to cure chronic diseases. The artificial neurons require only 140 nanoWatts of power, making them ideal for bio-electronic implants.
A Freiburg research team has cracked the code on how embryonic stem cells determine which cell types to develop into. They found that genes controlling cell differentiation are selectively used and that transcription factors like Eomes and Brachyury play a key role in this process.
Patients with active cannabis dependence and abuse are at nearly twice the risk of suffering a heart attack after surgery, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. Researchers analyzed records of over 4 million adults from 2006-2015 and found a significant increase in cannabis use disorders among surgical patients.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have worked out the details of key molecular interactions involved in antigen selection and processing by MHC-I proteins. The new findings help explain puzzling differences among MHC-I proteins and suggest ways to manipulate them for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
A University of Calgary study reveals that short-term radon test kits can be inaccurate up to 99% of the time, highlighting the need for long-term testing kits. The research also sheds light on factors influencing radon levels in Canadian homes, with implications for reducing environmentally-caused cancer.
Research by Saint Louis University finds that rural patients with chronic conditions have higher death rates, more hospitalizations, and limited access to specialist physicians. The study suggests strategies to improve specialist care in rural areas, including telemedicine and loan forgiveness for physicians.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that stiffens 1,800-fold when exposed to heat, inspired by thermophilic proteins. The material, composed of polyelectrolyte poly(acrylic acid), transforms from soft to rigid upon heating and can be reversed with cooling.
Research by University of Houston psychology professor Anka Vujanovic reveals that distress tolerance amplifies associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and alcohol use severity. PTSD symptom severity is also associated with heavy drinking, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A group of international experts proposes pathways towards financial independence from industry in healthcare to build a more trustworthy evidence base. They aim to tackle the problem of overdiagnosis and unnecessary care by disentangling decision-makers from those profiting from excess medicine.
A team of scientists discovered an archaeon that can efficiently colonize and utilize meteorite material, suggesting that extraterrestrial compounds may have played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. This finding provides valuable information about the potential for life beyond our planet.
Tropical Storm 07A develops with very high and powerful storms, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to move northwest and dissipate in a day or so, posing no significant threat to Mumbai, India.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that nearly 3,400 patients experienced avoidable delays in their cancer diagnosis. The reasons for these delays are complex and can include long waiting times for tests, vague symptoms, and pre-existing conditions.
Researchers studied Titan's energy budget over 14 years and found significant seasonal variations. The findings suggest the distance between the sun and Earth may play a role in Earth's energy balance.
Researchers will study isolated wetlands in the Delmarva Peninsula to understand how hydrology influences wetland carbon export and emissions. The project aims to inform wetland management practices for conservation and restoration.
A study by Penn State researchers found that women wearing hijabs in news stories can elicit harsher social judgment, with conservatives showing lower empathy and perceived innocence. The study suggests potential obstacles for women who wear hijabs in the real world, highlighting the need for more nuanced portrayals in media.
A team led by Professor Sylvain Martel developed a robotic platform using the fringe field of an MRI scanner to guide medical instruments through deeper and more complex vascular structures. The approach has been successfully demonstrated in-vivo, opening up new horizons for minimally invasive procedures.
An analysis found that rural subsidized enrollees pay less in premiums than urban counterparts after the Trump Administration's 2017 cut of Cost Sharing Reduction payments. Silver loading and switching have led to more affordable insurance for some consumers, but also encourage enrollment in bronze plans with less financial protection.
A survey of over 700 young Irish doctors found widespread prescribing for personal use, with nearly two-thirds self-medicating. The study highlights the risks of this practice, including addiction and suicide, and calls for further education and inclusion in medical training.
Student science policy groups receive grants to engage community leaders and policymakers, with a focus on building collaborative efforts between STEM scientists and social scientists. The program aims to promote a culture of civic science and inform decisions of great importance to society.
A study found that AI can accurately measure coronary artery calcium, a marker of heart disease, in patients getting lung cancer screening CT scans. The system uses deep learning to automate the assessment, making it easier for doctors to decide on preventative therapy.
A study by University of North Carolina at Charlotte researchers found that unemployed men are more likely to transition to female-dominated jobs, resulting in higher wages (4% increase) and increased occupational prestige. This shift may help offset the negative effects of unemployment on job status.
Tropical Cyclone 06A, formerly Tropical Depression 06A, has consolidated and strengthened despite harsh environmental conditions. The storm is expected to make landfall in east central Somalia on Dec. 6 as a tropical storm.
Researchers found high levels of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, in the Nairobi river basin, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The study calls for better regulation and enforcement to ensure the environmental sustainability of growing patient access to medicines.
A Rutgers-led study reports the first experimental measurement of how bending organic semiconductors affects electricity flow, showing a 1 percent bend can double electron speed.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science successfully developed a novel material, boron-doped nanodiamond, for use as an electrode in supercapacitors. This innovation significantly increases the energy storage capacity and stability of these devices.
Scientists from Duke University and HSE University developed a neurointerface that allows monkeys to control a cursor with their brains, enabling future development of upper-limb neuroprostheses. The breakthrough provides tactile feedback, increasing movement precision and natural control.
A study published in Environmental Research suggests that cell towers should be placed at least 500 meters away from schools, hospitals, and sleeping areas to reduce health risks. The existing laws in the US, however, do not consider environmental effects when siting cell towers.
A new study reveals the critical role of c-di-GMP in controlling the transition from vegetative growth to sporulation in Streptomyces bacteria. The signaling molecule binds to master repressor BldD, controlling gene activity and ultimately preventing reproductive hyphae from differentiating into spores.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that gabapentin promotes regeneration of neural circuits, restoring up to 60% of forelimb function in treated mice. The drug blocks activity of a protein that hinders axon growth after injury.
Researchers have found that Saussurea extract has antimicrobial properties and can speed up bone tissue regeneration. The study suggests using Saussurea to treat bacterial bone infections, which are resistant to antibiotics.
A recent study by Singapore Management University found that conservative boards are more likely to dismiss CEOs who have engaged in financial misconduct. The researchers used a scoring system to assess the political ideology of board directors and found that liberal boards were less likely to take action against the CEO.
Researchers found three distinct phases of reef growth since end of Pleistocene era, including periods of slower, deeper growth due to increased sediment and nutrient flux. The study provides a new model of reef growth that suggests the more protected parts of the reef might have been suitable for early coral development.
Research suggests that southern Arizona was a high-elevation plateau with elevations over 10,000 feet, similar to Tibet, due to its thick Earth's crust. The study provides insight into mountain formation and distribution of natural resources like copper.
Researchers from Kiel and Copenhagen developed a new computational model to simulate the detailed behavior of electrons in graphene nanoribbons. The model predicts that correlation effects due to electron repulsion have a dramatic influence on local energy spectrum, enabling precise control over electronic properties.
A specialized system of ducts transports bile and enzymes from the liver and pancreas to the intestine. The study revealed a multi-step process for duct formation, with key genes controlling the development of these ducts.
Global fossil-fuel carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2023, driven by increasing natural gas and oil consumption. Despite slower emissions growth, researchers warn that emissions could increase unless national energy policies change dramatically.
New research investigated the effect of sleep on eyewitness memory and found no benefit for eyewitness identification accuracy. Despite this, reliability remained high, with participants accurately identifying guilty suspects even after a 12-hour delay or sleep period.
Global carbon emissions are projected to increase by 0.6% in 2019, with natural gas and oil driving growth, while coal use declines in the EU and US. The slower rate of growth is attributed to structural changes and energy policies aimed at phasing out fossil fuels.
Scientists at Salk Institute discovered that metformin activates multiple biochemical switches, including Protein Kinase D and MAPKAPK2, which may explain its health-span-extending effects. The study identified new targets and cellular processes regulated by AMPK, shedding light on the therapeutic benefits of metformin.
A new treatment approach for cystic fibrosis may reduce the need for lung transplants and lower mortality rates. Researchers found that a small molecule reduced inflammation and cleared lungs of bacteria in a laboratory model.
Scientists have successfully prepared high-quality ZnO quantum dots using a novel one-pot self-supporting organometallic procedure, offering promising prospects for biological applications. The new method yields stable and uniformly sized particles with unique physicochemical properties.
Scientists from Tyumen State University propose a way to make higher education more accessible to students with disabilities. A special structural unit, the Council, will comprise specialists from different fields to create conditions for education and support.
A new machine learning tool can analyze massive amounts of satellite data to detect significant features for space weather. The algorithm identifies patterns that humans may miss, enabling faster and more accurate forecasts.
A new study found that expansion of HIV treatment eligibility to include those under 15 led to significant increases in antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among 10-14 year-olds. The 'Treat All' policies improved access to ART, with large increases seen in seven countries.
Researchers used focused ultrasound to target and open areas of the blood-brain barrier in three women with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The technique successfully opened and closed the barrier within 24 hours, with no adverse effects.
Researchers are using unique whale vocalizations to track the seasonal movements of North Atlantic killer whales, gaining insights into their behavior and ecology. By characterizing individual pods' calls, scientists can better understand their migration patterns and identify potential factors driving changes in their populations.
Researchers at Cornell University found a negative relationship between the temperature during tree swallows' development and their hormonal response to stressors as adults. This phenomenon could help explain how changing environments are impacting many different species.
A new UCLA-led study suggests chronic opioid treatment may raise the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals who are likely to experience severe emotional stress. Researchers found that mice given morphine before and after a traumatic event showed enhanced fear learning, indicating increased PTSD susceptibility.
Researchers recreated the emergence of language in deaf communities by challenging children to communicate with each other without spoken language. They found that children invented signs for abstract concepts and gradually developed grammatical structures, demonstrating that communication cannot be reduced to words alone.
The EU Water Framework Directive needs further development to address the complex mixtures of pesticides, medicines, and industrial chemicals in European waters. Researchers have developed new concepts and tools to monitor and reduce exposure to these substances.
Researchers created an alloy of titanium, tantalum and scandium that functions for a long time even at high temperatures. By adding a few percent of scandium, the alloy avoids the unwanted omega phase, which was previously a major limitation in high-temperature shape memory alloys.
A study by Purdue University nutrition scientists shows that eating more protein daily than recommended benefits only those actively losing weight or engaging in strength training. Most adults consuming adequate amounts of protein do not need to increase their intake.
Researchers developed two spectral-based techniques to evaluate cervical tissue changes before labor, improving diagnostic capabilities. The study identified one technique as more effective in detecting these changes.
Research on exhausted CD8 T cells provides clues for refining cancer immunotherapy. A new study defines a transitional stage between stem-like and truly exhausted cells, which could be a target for therapy.
A large study found that a single dose of radiotherapy is as effective as five doses in controlling pain and alleviating symptoms for end-of-life cancer patients with spinal canal compression. The study, published in JAMA, showed similar patient outcomes between one-dose and multi-fraction radiotherapy regimens.
A team of scientists used data from NASA's Kepler telescope to calculate that the thick disc of the Milky Way is about 10 billion years old. This finding resolves a long-standing question about the age distribution of stars in the disc.
A study found that young children who received housing vouchers had 27% lower hospital spending and 18% fewer hospitalizations than those who did not. The study suggests that reducing poverty in neighborhoods may lead to significant health benefits.